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Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 October 2025. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Monday, 13 October 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Mental Health Services: Sick Leave

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support is available for NHS mental health staff who are injured at work or absent due to work-related stress.

Answer

The health and wellbeing of National Health Service staff is a top priority, including those who work in mental health settings. It is important that employers across the NHS take a preventative and proactive approach to supporting their staff and keeping them healthy. At a national level, NHS staff have access to the SHOUT helpline for crisis support alongside the Practitioner Health service for more complex mental health and wellbeing support, including for trauma and addiction.

The 10-Year Health Plan aims to significantly reduce sickness absence rates. We will introduce a new set of staff standards for modern employment which will ensure employers support staff to work healthily and flexibly. We will also roll out Staff Treatment hubs, starting in 2027, to ensure staff have access to high quality support for mental health and back conditions.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
77766
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Injuries Mental health services Sick leave Stress
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk