Doctors In Distress, a charity founded by Amandip Sidhu in 2019 in Great Britain to assist healthcare professionals with their mental well-being, has now expanded its services to Northern Ireland. This decision came after Sidhu’s consultant cardiologist brother tragically took his own life due to overwhelming work pressures and burnout, shedding light on the common phenomenon within healthcare professions. As a tribute to healthcare workers who have died by suicide, a memorial tree will be planted at a GP surgery in north Belfast soon.
Recent figures from the British Medical Association (BMA) NI reveal that 62% of doctors in Northern Ireland report higher levels of fatigue or exhaustion, emphasizing the pressing issue. In an interview with the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster program, Dr. Alan Stout from the BMA highlighted the severity of the problem in Northern Ireland and stressed the need for a dedicated health service for doctors in the region. While welcoming the charity’s extension to Northern Ireland, Stout emphasized the importance of further support for healthcare professionals.
Sidhu emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that one doctor takes their own life every three weeks, with a nurse doing so weekly. Comparatively, doctors in Northern Ireland face more negative experiences than their counterparts in England, Scotland, and Wales and exhibit significantly higher dissatisfaction levels in their work. These statistics underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt expressed support for the introduction of Doctors In Distress in Northern Ireland, emphasizing the importance of eradicating the stigma surrounding poor mental health. Nesbitt acknowledged the progress made in addressing mental health issues but stressed the need for further advancements, especially in ensuring better pathways for doctors and healthcare professionals. The launch of this service in Northern Ireland marks a step towards providing vital mental health support to those in the healthcare sector who tirelessly serve the community
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