National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers

That this House recognises the National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers on 17 September, jointly led by Doctors in Distress and NHS Practitioner Health; honours the memory of all health and care workers who have died by suicide; acknowledges the profound contribution that health and care professionals make to society and the pressures many face in delivering care; notes with concern evidence that stigma surrounding mental ill health remains prevalent within the health and care workforce, creating barriers to seeking support; further notes Office for National Statistics data indicating that an average of four healthcare workers die by suicide each week; further recognises the impact of excessive workloads, long working hours, workplace pressures and moral injury on the wellbeing of health and care staff; commends the work of organisations such as Doctors in Distress and NHS Practitioner Health in providing support, advocacy and peer networks for professionals experiencing mental health difficulties; encourages the Government, NHS organisations, regulators and employers to promote a culture in which healthcare workers can seek support without fear of professional or personal consequences; supports efforts to raise awareness of the mental health services available to health and care professionals throughout the year; and calls on the Government to mark National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the health, wellbeing and mental health of the health and care workforce.