In discussion with counterparts from the European Commission, the participants emphasised: The health care workforce is the backbone of our health care systems, tirelessly working to provide essential care to patients. While they are dedicated to healing others, it is crucial to recognise that health care professionals themselves are not immune to the pressures and challenges of their profession. Health care professionals often face intense stress and emotional burdens as part of their daily work. Long hours, high patient demands, and the ever-present spectrum of life-and-death decisions can take a toll on their mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, as health care workers were on the front lines, witnessing the devastating effects of the virus.

Klaus Heeger, CESI Secretary General, stressed the specific need for awareness raising about mental health issues in the work place: “Encouraging open discussions about mental health can reduce the stigma surrounding it and make it easier for health care workers to seek help when needed.”

Esther Reyes and Paloma Repila from the Spanish health SATSE underlined: “Health care institutions but also trade unions should provide confidential counseling and support services to their employees. Offering resilience training can help health care workers build emotional and psychological resilience to cope with stress. Health care organisations should better promote work-life balance by implementing reasonable working hours and ensuring adequate time off.”

Dolores Martínez from the Spanish health union SAE emphasised the importance of access for health care staff to dedicated mental health services: “Health care institutions should make it easy for their employees to access mental health services, such as therapy and counseling. It is time to prioritise the mental health of those who dedicate their lives to healing others.”

Interventions from all participants have showcased the need for long-term investments to address health care professionals understaffing.

Issues that were raised towards the European Commission were compiled in a position paper with policy demands, available here.