Staff are the most important thing in the NHS

Responding to Audit Wales’ report on NHS staff wellbeing during the pandemic, Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation said:

“Staff are the most important thing in the NHS and we thank them all for what they’ve done for us and what they continue to do. We welcome Audit Wales’ report which shows how NHS organisations in Wales have prioritised staff wellbeing during the pandemic, moving quickly to enhance and develop their wellbeing initiatives to support staff.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS staff have become the heroes on the frontline of our national fight against the virus. Staff have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect people from the direct harms of COVID-19, whilst continuing to support patients with other health conditions, both in hospitals and in the community. We can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done and continue to do.

“The health and wellbeing of the NHS Wales workforce is of critical importance. Having a healthy, motivated, supported and engaged workforce leads to better outcomes and experiences for patients. However, as we enter the twentieth month of Coronavirus pressures, the NHS Wales workforce is facing one of the most difficult times in its history. Staff across the system are feeling exhausted and fatigued, not just from rising COVID cases, but from increasing demand on other healthcare services.

“The pandemic has underlined the challenges that face the health and social care workforce and NHS leaders acknowledge the need to ensure ongoing support is provided and made easily accessible for all.”