Jessica O'ConnorPsychiatric illness is the main cause of NHS staff absences, making up 25.6% of all absences, according to research from Claims.co.uk.
The personal injury experts examined NHS data to determine the most common causes of all NHS staff absences from December 2023.
Overall, 5.5% of staff were off sick during the period studied.
Psychiatric illnesses ranged from anxiety, stress and depression.
Flu, cold and cough were named in 15.3% of absent employees, while musculoskeletal problems were the next named cause of staff absences, with 8.2% of employees out of work affected.
In fourth place was gastrointestinal problems, with 7.3% of absent NHS staff affected by these issues.
Other unknown causes were named as the cause for 6% of those who are off work, placing this cause of staff absence in fifth.
A spokesperson from Claims.co.uk, said: “Working in the NHS can be a highly demanding job, and there is widespread workforce shortages and staff burnout due to the consistent pressure put upon them.
“There are not enough doctors and nurses in the UK to meet patients’ demands, and this can take a toll on their health, especially mental health, as the data highlights.
“The NHS is one of the most important services across the nation; without it, the entire UK would struggle to get by.
“It is vital to remember that key workers also end up as patients at some point in their lives and their health is just as important as anyone else’s.”
