Johnson: Doctors must not be neglected

Health secretary Alan Johnson has said it would be a "sad irony" if the NHS were to neglect the health of medical professionals.

He added that just as with many large employers, the NHS is affected by sickness and lower productivity because of poor health.

Describing the work of health workers as "outstanding" and "often in the face of enormous pressure", Mr Johnson said their own health needs must be supported.

His comments follow a report from the national director for mental health in England which outlines steps to improve the health of medical professionals.

"We will pilot health and wellbeing schemes in a number of NHS trusts who are facing the biggest health issues, which have been developed with the support of the major unions representing health employees," Mr Johnson said.

"Employees will get confidential feedback on their health, alongside personalised advice on healthy lifestyles. And employers will get anonymised data on the health status of their workforce that can be used to target actions to improve health and wellbeing."

He added that a pilot service will be run in London for doctors who are struggling with mental illness or addictions. This will focus on early intervention so that "minor problems do not escalate into full-blown crises".