NI Ambulance Workers Under Enormous Stress

Northern Ireland ambulance workers are under an "enormous burden of stress", according to a new survey.

The Unison survey reveals that 91% said they are suffering with stress while 74 percent have sleep problems.

Of the 248 ambulance workers in Northern Ireland questioned 96% suffer from work-related stress.

One paramedic described how hospital closures meant they now had to drive hundreds of miles everyday. He said: "Too few ambulances, missed meals and 16 or 17 hour shifts would stress anyone."

Unison Head of Health Christina McAnea 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 is having 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."

(CD)