NHS: Winter pressures take toll on staff, survey suggests

NHS staff expect to miss festive events with friends and family amid winter pressures such as staff shortages, sickness and abusive patient behaviour, a survey has suggested.

The research, commissioned by NHS Charities Together of 520 NHS workers, found 51% of those surveyed said December was the most stressful month for them.

Dr Radha Modgil, from Surrey, said: “Pressure is always there but we really feel it around Christmas.”

A Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson said: “We know NHS staff have been overworked for years and we understand the significant concerns held by hardworking staff about the pressures they face this winter.”