A memorial tree was planted at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital to remember healthcare workers across the country who have taken their own lives.
The National Memorial Tree Campaign, led by the medical mental health charity Doctors in Distress and in association with its Patron, BAFTA winner and former NHS doctor Adam Kay, is to honour the memory of these healthcare professionals and highlights our commitment to protecting the mental health and wellbeing of our staff.
Doctors in Distress is an independent charity that provides peer support for all UK based healthcare workers to promote and protect their mental health and prevent suicide.
Statistics show that in the UK one doctor takes their own life every 3 weeks and one nurse takes their own life every week. These shocking figures are a stark reminder that the wellbeing of our healthcare workers is paramount.
By joining the Doctors in Distress’ National Tree Planting initiative and planting a memorial tree in our grounds, we are promoting a duty of care for the mental health of our staff and remembering those who have lost their lives.
Interim shared chair at Newcastle Hospitals, Paul Ennals said: “This event – and tree – is a way for us to remember and reflect on those who have taken their own lives. It is also a symbol of our commitment to protect the mental health and wellbeing of all of our colleagues working across Newcastle Hospitals. Making sure that the support is there when people need it is vital, but it’s also important that we all talk openly about our own mental health and that we check in with those around us regularly.
“The tree we have selected is a Sorbus – often referred to as a Rowan or Mountain Ash – and it holds symbolic meaning in various cultures particularly in the context of protection and good luck. In some traditions it is a considered a tree of life, symbolising courage and wisdom.”
Doctors in Distress’ Interim Chief Executive, Susannah Basile said: “We would like every hospital trust in the country to support our National Memorial Tree Campaign and plant a memorial tree, which will highlight their commitment to protecting the mental health and wellbeing of their staff. Together we can help to break down the stigma around mental health and help to prevent further suicides.”
A ceremony as part of the tree planting, was held at the Freeman Hospital and was attended by ambassador of Doctors in Distress – Jess Morgan, whose speech emphasised the significance of the memorial. This will be followed by another tree planting ceremony at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
Doctors in Distress Patron, BAFTA winner, former NHS doctor and bestselling author of This is Going to Hurt, Adam Kay, said: “The first step in solving a problem must be in admitting that the problem exists, and this is something I tried to highlight in the BBC adaptation of my book, This is Going to Hurt. The series culminated in the death by suicide of a doctor called Shruti – a fictional character based on so many tragic stories. In the show, a tree was planted in her memorial, which has led to trees being planted in real-life hospitals to commemorate lost colleagues. I’m very proud to support Doctors in Distress in raising awareness of this vital issue and protecting the mental health of healthcare workers.”
Amandip Sidhu, Founder of Doctors in Distress said: “My cardiologist brother died by suicide in 2018 therefore this is a very emotive topic for me. It is really important for me to know that there are NHS Hospital Trusts which understand the pressure their workforce has faced and continues to have to deal with, and who are prepared to talk about the issue of suicide in the workforce.
“Until the mental health and wellbeing of the healthcare workforce is prioritised by leaders at the highest level, the rate of burnout will continue to rise and, inevitably, so will the rate of suicide. Doctors in Distress was founded specifically to eliminate the stigma surrounding suicide and to provide the support our colleagues need in order to continue doing the amazing work they do.”
