UNISON report reveals scale of stress among ambulance workers in the North West

UNISON report reveals scale of stress among ambulance workers in the North West

Long hours, staff shortages and the mental demands of the job are placing an enormous burden on ambulance workers in the North West as more than nine in ten (91 per cent) report suffering with stress, according to a new UNISON survey.

The survey is published today (Friday 10 April) ahead of the union’s annual health conference in Liverpool next week.

The survey – of 153 ambulance workers in the North West – reveals that three-quarters (74 per cent) are suffering with sleep problems as a result of stress, morethan three in five (63 per cent) said they felt irritable and experienced mood swings, and almost three in five (58 per cent) suffered with anxiety.

More than a third (35 per cent) said they had to take time off sick because of work-related stress and more than a quarter (29 per cent) admitted they were close to doing so.

One North West paramedic said: “The management doesn’t really care about staff welfare, all that takes priority is hitting targets, and turnaround times. Crews can work for eight or nine hours without getting a break. Then we finish late – that has a huge impact on our family time. The attitude is – if you don’t like it find another job.”

Another ambulance worker in the region wrote: “Morale is so low that experienced staff are leaving in large numbers as they are so are sick of the service.” Others described being tearful, suffering with migraines, post traumatic stress disorder and feeling exhausted.

Worryingly, almost three in five (59 per cent) admitted they did not tell their employer the reason they were off sick was stress. Only one in ten (11 per cent) said they would talk to a manager or a supervisor to cope with stress.

Turning to friends and family is the source of support most commonly mentioned – by nearly two-thirds (64 per cent). Over half (55 per cent) said they talked to peers in an attempt to cope.

As a result of pressures on the service and workers, more than four in five (81 per cent) admitted they had thought about leaving the job.
UNISON is concerned that employers are not fulfilling their duty of care as two-thirds of respondents (66 per cent) said they were unaware of any steps being taken by their employer to remove or reduce stress.

Three in five (60 per cent) said their employer did not support a good work-life balance and more than a third (37 per cent) admitted they might need to take time off if the situation did not improve.

UNISON North West Head of Health Amy Barringer said: “Working in emergency services is stressful but the pressure on ambulance staff is reaching dangerously high levels.

“It is unacceptable that the current system doesn’t allow for proper breaks between shifts. Workers have told us they often work 14-hour shifts without a decent break.

“Higher call out rates and lengthy waits outside A&E departments are adding to the problem. It is clear that the pressure caused by government funding cuts ishaving a huge impact on staff and on patient safety. But it is vital that patients use the service responsibly – for example only calling 999 for an ambulance when there is a real emergency.

“This confirms the findings from the NHS staff survey that shows much greater pressure on staff in the ambulance service than any other part of the NHS.

"The pressure on workers is mounting and the apparent lack of support from their employers means they are suffering in silence. Year after year the levels of stress remain unacceptably high and yet neither employers nor the government have done anything to address this."

Ambulance workers responding to the survey said: “If I could find a job, I would leave like everyone else is. I‘ve been in the service for ten years but wanted it to be a 30 year career.”

“I’ve been off work for nearly six months with post-traumatic stress disorder after being assaulted.”

“I am a former army combat medic with tours of Afghanistan. I was less stressed and treated with more respect by my previous employer.”

“Many people have spoken to managers about the concerns in the workplace and it has usually fallen on deaf ears or has actually made the situation much worse.”

“I am actively seeking other employment with better money and fewer hours. I am fed up with bad management, clock stopping and working for a service where targets come before patients.”

“The stress is appalling. At times I am sicker than the patients and my managers have no interest in their staff.”

“I have gone part-time as the stress of working full-time has proved too much and is unsustainable to the age of 68.”

Health and well-being in NHS workplaces will be a hot topic at UNISON’s annual health conference which takes place next week at the BT Conference Centre in Liverpool, from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April.