Healthcare workers need more support in seeking help when they are ill

New guidance aimed at helping clinicians with their own health problems has been launched in a bid to encourage more doctors and nurses to seek help without being stigmatised.

The guidance, Invisible Patients, published by the National Patient Safety Agency and the chief medical officer for England, Liam Donaldson, details how NHS organisations can ensure that they are supporting the health of their workforce and are building healthy workplaces for clinical staff.

The recommendations have been published after a survey of healthcare professionals indicated that more support was needed from employers when doctors and nurses become …