Wales TUC hears CSP call to cut stress among NHS staff

Regional steward Louise Wright (second left): it was a very good conference and the CSP had a high profile

The CSP steward told the trade union event in Llandudno from 24-26 May that NHS Wales should tackle the causes of stress by providing sufficient staff and resources.

He told delegates that stress among NHS staff had been increasing for years and, together with musculoskeletal conditions, was a key reason why NHS employees took sick leave.

Breaking point

‘Believe me, conference, people are at breaking point,’ Mr Finn said. ‘The NHS depends on the goodwill of its workers. It is the dedication and commitment of the workers is holding it together. This is not sustainable.’

His speech introduced a motion, backed by the CSP, about stress in the NHS, which was voted through unchallenged.

Meanwhile, Louise Wright, also a CSP regional steward for Wales, presented a CSP motion which highlighted the health problems among older people caused by cold homes.

‘A recent survey showed that many people wrongly believe that hypothermia is the main cause of excess winter death,’ she said.

‘Cold weather causes a massive increase in heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, depression, worsening arthritis and increased accidents at home.’

The motion called on the Welsh government to make homes more energy efficient, starting with the poorest and least energy efficient. It was carried by the event.

Seven-day services

Other health-related motions debated and carried at the event included one calling for proper resources for seven-day services in the NHS and another for better maternal mental healthcare.

Commenting after the conference, Ms Wright, said: ‘It was a very good conference and – as usual – the CSP had a high profile. The debates on health were among some of the best.’