My job in the NHS is affecting my mental healrh

[Caramilks]

I have been in my role a couple of months and I enjoy some aspects of it. We have many complaints about members that are supposed to be taking care of mentally ill patients, sleeping on shifts talking to them badly etc and winding them up. Nothing ever gets done no matter how much I voice my opinion. Everything gets covered up to make our numbers look good.

I don’t work directly with patients and I am in more of a corporate role. But it makes me feel very ill. I am struggling to finish work and relax it’s all I think about.

I think all of my team don’t even think into it as much as I do. They just see patient names and some wards and costs. I don’t think they realise that we are supposed to be providing a good level of care for these patients.

aibu to walk away? I will never be able to make a difference and it’s draining me as I just can’t switch off. But I enjoy it in some ways.

You and everyone else in the nhs. However you anbu to walk away if you can…

You could contact the freedom to speak up guardian in your trust. But yes, an unhealthy team will affect your mental health and the cost to your health of trying to make a difference is likely to be high. Keep doing the right thing in your own work, find a place to work that matches your values.

I went PT when I couldn’t switch off. But I couldn’t watch patients being mistreated, I’d leave and report it to CQC.

I felt the same working in residential settings. Make exit plans and go as soon as possible.

You have two choices, whistleblow or get another job.

You will not be able to contribute to any changes staying in your current role unless you are in a position that's high enough to write policies and/or follow them up.

It makes me angry that that the people who are supposed to care just don't but ultimately you have to think of your own mental health

Are you saying you investigate these complaints, they’re upheld but nothing is done?

Eurgh. NHS. Either keep going until you have enough power to make the changes, or bow out now before your colleagues turn against you for not towing the company line.

Yes I will investigate speak to multiple people get statements written up. Handover to my manager then never hear of it again. “It’s sorted now” She will usually restrict them from working for a week if I get on to her about it. But they are back working in no time. We have no staff really and the majority are outsourced.

Your Trust should have a "Freedom to Speak Up" Champion (or some similar worded job title). Its someone who deals with issues as a step before Whistle blowing. Please please contact them with your concerns. They can look into what you're saying is happening. Your line managers won't dare pull you up about getting them involved.

Your nhs trust should have a whistle blower route.

It's the Guardian Service. The Guardian is there like an independent advisor when you feel like you can't talk to HR or go to your own manager.