Lucy Letby Case and the Impact on NHS Staff

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We have been seeing several statements and comments in the media and social media from staff who are shocked and bewildered by this case, about the circumstances and decisions that ultimately led to her arrest.

People are describing feeling let down and anxious, some obsessively reading and following every detail, others unable to engage with the news finding it too dreadful.

It is important to recognise that any, or all, of these emotions are normal. What we are experiencing is collective relatable grief. Collective grief happens when a group of people experience the fallout from a death or multiple deaths. This is relatable to all of us who work in the NHS and can trigger and magnify feelings about our own personal or professional experiences.

There are benefits to collective grief, as for many it can be comforting to know that you are not alone in the way you are feeling, and that you are justified in the way you are feeling.

What can you do?

• Take the time to talk to your colleagues and share how you are feeling, they may well be feeling the same.
• Put away your phone and turn off the news. Further details are not going to help the way you are feeling right now.
• If you have been affected by Baby Loss consider contacting SANDS or BLISS who are both offering emotional support to families and to NHS professionals who are working with bereaved families.
• You can refer yourself directly for NHS talking therapies and do not need to go via your GP
• Access NHS Practitioner Health - we are a mental health treatment service for healthcare staff. If you are unable to access care or treatment locally due to confidentiality reasons, and you feel you need treatment for your mental health we are here to help.

Published: Aug 22, 2023