Care worker stress leave at record high

Data shows DHSC stress-related absenses on the up

Stress leave at the Department of Health and Social Care is on the rise, Manx Radio can reveal.

Figures from a Freedom of Information request show the number of care workers taking a leave of absence has nearly doubled since 2011.  

The data concerns every financial year since 2011-12, with more staff at the Department signing off work because of stress.

2012-13 saw 151 recorded absences, a number which has been going up every year, peaking last year to a record 252.

The totals include hospital and health professionals as well as support and social workers.

Though, it is the Island's nurses and care workers who are registering the most number of stress-related absences.

Care work in particular has saw nearly double the amount of employees take stress leave since 2011 rising from 57 to 96 in 2018.  

Five months into this year, the trend looks set to continue with already 117 absences recorded. 

Manx Radio has contacted the Department of Health and Social Care for comment.