MORE mental health support for health and care staff is needed in the borough.
Liberal Democrats in Rugby are calling on the Government to ramp up support to ensure “world-class” support for those tackling the pandemic head on.
They want to see measures including:
* 24/7 access to mental health support for health and social care workers, through a dedicated helpline
* Guarantees health and care staff will no longer be penalised for time off due to mental or physical ill health, including when transitioning between roles
*The introduction of a ‘occupational health passport’ so workers do not have to relive mental health traumas when they change jobs.
* Additional training to ensure there are mental health first-aiders in every health and care workforce
* Steps to standardise quality and service to ensure every health and social care worker can access the same, high standard of mental care support.
They say if adopted, the proposals would improve access to mental health support for all those working in health and care settings.
Jerry Roodhouse, Lib Dem councillor for Eastlands and Paddox, said: “The clap for our carers every Thursday evening is not just a gesture – people want to see those working on the frontline supported throughout the coronavirus crisis and beyond.
“We cannot underestimate the toll this crisis will have on our health and care staff in Rugby. There needs to be long term support to help all those who have risked so much to care for all those affected by the virus.
“Ministers must not stick their heads in the sand. It is essential they roll out these measures urgently, otherwise they are denying our health and care staff support when they need it most.”
