MHM Magazine

in COVID-19 and prior pandemics. From their analysis seven themes emerged: 1. The need for resilience and stress reduction training 2. Providing for clinicians' basic needs (food, drink, adequate rest, quarantine, appropriate housing, transportation, child care, personal protective equipment) 3. The importance of specialised training for pandemic-induced changes in job roles 4. Recognition and clear communication from leadership 5. Acknowledgment of and strategies for addressing moral injury 6. The need for peer and social support interventions 7. Normalisation and provision of mental health support programs. Following on from above Lesley Robertson and co-authors from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of the Witwatersrand published a review in the South African Medical Journal looking at the mental health of healthcare workers. They again noted depression, anxiety, post- traumatic stress, and other mental health conditions among healthcare workers exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic. They propose interventions that may be implemented by healthcare leaders 5 . Robertson et al concludes that two main principles emerge: i the institution and management are the key role players; and ii accessible, appropriate psychological support is needed. In summary fundamental institutional responsibilities include provision of adequate health infrastructure, infection prevention and control, workforce staffing appropriate for the caseload, and flexible working hours. Mental health promotion among healthcare workers on all levels is essential. Educational leaflets may be the simplest to implement, however, skilled leadership and effective communication are pivotal. Psychological support and training of managers is therefore prioritised, with individual care reserved for healthcare workers with severe symptoms. Finally the use of non-governmental and volunteer organisations could help overcome shortages of mental health professionals. As an outflow of the above the Healthcare Workers’ Care Network (HCWCN) was established as a volunteer initiative to provide healthcare workers and managers of healthcare workers with emotional support during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. The volunteer database includes more than 500 multi-disciplinary clinicians. This national initiative was launched under the auspices of the South African Medical Association (SAMA), South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP), South African Society of Anaesthetists (SASA) and supported by the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA). The Healthcare Workers Care Network provides free telephonic counselling and crisis intervention 24 hours a day. Respondents will be provided with four pro-bono individual or group sessions with a mental health professional. This can be either by online sessions/tele- therapy or face-to-face sessions. In conjunction, the HCWCN also provide Leadership Training and Coaching to managers and senior hospital leadership. The Healthcare Workers Care Network can be reached on their toll-free line: 0800 21 21 21 or via SMS on 43001. They also have a website with valuable information: www.healthcareworker- scarenetwork.org.za SADAG, The South African Depression and Anxiety Group has also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Healthcare Workers Care Network. The toll- free helpline is being managed by SADAG staff. SADAG was founded over 28 years ago and is by far the major voluntary public organization/NGO in South Africa providing a 24-hour helpline service to the public on all mental health matters. References available upon request 4 | MENTALHEALTHMATTERS | Issue 6 | 2021 MHM