Over 75% health board staff stressed

MORE than three-quarters of Southern Health Board (SHB) staff suffered from psychological or emotional stress last year, according to the board’s annual report.

Violence, conflict, bullying, needlestick injuries and work-related accidents all gave rise to workplace stress, while personal difficulties, including family trauma, relationship difficulties, domestic violence and unplanned pregnancies were all cited as factors behind personal stress.

The board's employment assistance programme (EAP) responded to 22 requests for stress management workshops, double that requested in 2001.