A cluster of occupational mental illness in an NHS trust

Abstract

A cluster of clinical cases of occupational mental illness has not previously been reported. A prospective cross-sectional study of patients referred for examination and advice about rehabilitation was undertaken to ascertain a variety of employer's rates of occupational mental illness. A background rate of referral for occupational mental illness of 3.1/1,000 employees per year was found apart from in one NHS trust where the rate was 25.6/1,000. Most patients were nurses and diagnoses were anxiety and/or depression with a median length of time off work of four months. There was no evidence that patients from this employer were vulnerable to mental illness. The high rate of occupational mental illness was associated with organisational change and a hostile working climate. This study shows that NHS trusts may be associated with unhealthy working practices. A cluster of occupational mental illness should be statutorily reportable to the Health and Safety Executive for further investigation.