Almost two thirds (64 per cent) of doctors in Ireland say they are frequently burnt out and exhausted, according to a new survey by the Medical Protection Society (MPS). The results also found that one in five (19 per cent) of Irish doctors describe their mental wellbeing as “of concern”.
Just over half (53 per cent) said they feel disillusioned or disengaged at work, while 57 per cent said they are not encouraged to discuss mental wellbeing issues at work.
In the MPS survey of 548 doctors, 60 per cent also said the Government does not do enough to ensure mental health services for doctors are properly funded.
In response to the survey findings MPS said that the future new Government should take a “fresh look” at what needs to be done to tackle the “deteriorating mental wellbeing” of healthcare professionals to “avoid greater numbers leaving the profession”.
Professor Gozie Offiah, MPS Council member, said that a “significant and concerning number of healthcare professionals are burnt out, disillusioned and their mental wellbeing is deteriorating.”
Prof Offiah added that poor mental wellbeing affects doctors personally, and it can also impact on patient care.
“Without early support, mental wellbeing issues can also result in doctors needing extended time off work or leaving the healthcare profession altogether.”
Prof Offiah said MPS hoped that the new Government will work with the HSE and private healthcare providers to ensure healthcare professionals are in supportive environments “with resources such as counselling, peer support networks and specialist support available as standard”.
“This would help to tackle issues early on, avert crises down the line, and ultimately enable healthcare professionals to continue to care for patients safely. Independent mental wellbeing services, such as the Practitioner Health Matters Programme, are also vital and can provide a lifeline for many who are struggling to cope, but they often rely on donations.”
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