A new survey launched: Capturing the impact of COVID-19 on the health and wellbeing of nurses, midwives and healthcare support workers in Wales
Published: 24 June 2021
This week, Public Health Wales Research and Evaluation Division have launched an online survey to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the health and wellbeing of registered and student nurses and midwives, and healthcare support workers in Wales, supported by the Royal College of Nursing Wales, Royal College of Midwives Wales, NHS Wales Directors of Nursing, Council of Deans of Health Wales, Health Education and Improvement Wales, and Universities across Wales.
Before COVID-19, Public Health Wales carried out the first national survey in Wales to explore the health and wellbeing of nurses, midwives and healthcare support workers. The final report of the study here published last year identified key considerations for action.
As the NHS in Wales now moves into COVID-19 recovery it is vital that we examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the nursing and midwifery workforce. With the support of the Royal Colleges our 2021 survey will enable us to understand how COVID-19 has impacted wellbeing – and whether the actions we identified should remain key priorities.
Our previous report identified the need for greater support for younger members of the workforce and those earlier in their careers. This year we are delighted to announce that we are extending our invitation to participate to all student nurses and midwives across Wales, with the support of Health Education and Improvement Wales, Council of Deans of Health Wales and Welsh Universities.
Dr Benjamin Gray, who is leading the survey, said:
“Wellbeing of our nursing and midwifery workforce is at the heart of the COVID-19 recovery.
“Our survey will provide vital insight into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our key workers and students in Wales.
“We’re delighted to be working in collaboration with organisations across the NHS and Higher Education in Wales to ensure that the findings from the study shape recovery planning and action to support the health and wellbeing of healthcare workers and students.”
The online survey is open to all nursing and midwifery staff, including students, and health care support workers and can be accessed here. It is open from 21 June and 6 August. Telephone and paper copies are available to request by contacting helpline@quality-health.co.uk or 0800 917 6597.
Public Health Wales has a statutory responsibility to conduct and commission research that provides information that can protect the health of the people of Wales. For information on this, please visit the UK Government website here: The Public Health Wales NHS Trust (Establishment) Order 2009.
