Glimmers of hope, but NHS staff morale still in a precarious state

Commenting on the publication today of the NHS staff survey, Ruth Thorlby, Assistant Director of Policy at the Health Foundation, said:

‘Today’s results show some glimmers of hope in the levels of stress and exhaustion experienced by NHS staff after a difficult few years, but suggest that staff morale is still in a precarious state in the face of persistent pressures.

'Only around 1 in 3 staff feel that there are enough staff to do their jobs properly, an improvement compared to last year, but the proportion of staff reporting being unwell due to work related stress is still higher than before the pandemic. Worryingly, discrimination from managers, colleagues and the public remains a problem. Measures to ensure staff feel safe and supported must be a priority.  

‘Yesterday, the chancellor promised welcome investment in NHS technology from 2025, to support challenging productivity targets. It is also vital staff are supported to use new technology if it is to fulfil its potential. And the government’s focus on productivity growth must not come at a cost to staff wellbeing.  

'Nearly 30% of NHS staff report that they often think about leaving their organisation; this underlines how important it is for the NHS to improve staff retention if it is to realise its goals set out in the long-term workforce plan. And any improvements in NHS staff morale need to be accompanied by improvements in the experience of those who work in social care, still in desperate need of its own workforce plan.'  

Media contact

Creina Lilburne
Creina.Lilburne@health.org.uk
020 7257 8000