Almost two thirds (64%) of doctors in Ireland say they are frequently burnt out and exhausted and 1 in 5 (19%) describe their mental wellbeing as “of concern”, according to a recent survey by the Medical Protection Society (MPS).
In the MPS survey of 548 doctors, 60% also said the Government does not do enough to ensure mental health services for doctors are properly funded.
MPS, which represents the professional interests of over 16,000 healthcare professionals in Ireland, says that as soon as the new government has formed, it 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 due to wellbeing issues.
Professor Gozie Offiah, MPS Council member said,
“A significant and concerning number of healthcare professionals are burnt out, disillusioned and their mental wellbeing is deteriorating.
“We see firsthand how poor mental wellbeing affects doctors personally, and how it can 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.
“We hope 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. The Government should help to ensure they are properly funded and safeguarded, so healthcare professionals are always able to access confidential, specialist help outside of their place of work, without fear of repercussions from their employers.
“The provision of adequate mental wellbeing support is crucial to retaining our healthcare workforce. While we recognise that the new Government will face a range of pressing issues affecting doctors and patients when it has formed, we hope it will take a fresh look at this issue and understand the need for long-term thinking.”
Anonymous comments from doctors who took part in the MPS survey:
“No one truly understands the internal struggles individuals face, both physically and mentally. Colleagues, management, patients, and even family members often cannot see what you’re going through. Medical practice in Ireland is evolving, with increasing patient loads, more complex cases, shifting demographics, more demanding patients, unrealistic
key performance indicators, limited resources, and a more litigious environment, all of which contribute to the mental burden on healthcare professionals.”
“Chronic under resourcing of team, constant fear of being blamed along with unrealistic patient, family, other service expectations has resulted in me feeling high levels of stress and frustration on daily basis. Feel like I’m shouting into a vacuum.”
“More and more doctors are becoming burnt out from constantly working in a fire-fighting mode. You can get better quality of life and pay in other industries. Soon we won't have any doctors left.”
“With increasing pressure and expectations, burnout has become very real. Planning on reducing my hours of work due to this to protect my mental health.”
Confidential counselling sessions and wellbeing resources are included as one of the benefits of MPS membership at no additional cost. To access the confidential counselling service call Lyra on 1800 851115.
In our recent survey, almost two thirds (64%) of doctors in Ireland say they are frequently burnt out and exhausted and 1 in 5 (19%) describe their mental wellbeing as “of concern”.
To find out more about our survey, visit: https://t.co/77vluESx52 pic.twitter.com/Zcy0pkxHha
— Medical Protection🇮🇪 (@MPSdoctorsIRE) December 18, 2024
