Cardiff, Wales – More than 600 National Health Service (NHS) staff have died across the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 107 of those deaths reported in Wales.
The revelation comes as a result of a Freedom of Information request made by the PA news agency. The actual number of NHS staff deaths is likely even higher, as the data provided only includes hospital trusts in England and health boards in Wales. Despite this limitation, the figures provide a sobering look at the toll the pandemic has taken on healthcare workers.
The data also revealed that NHS staff from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds were disproportionately affected by the virus, making up a higher proportion of the deaths compared to their representation in the overall NHS workforce. This disparity highlights the need for further investigation and support to protect these vulnerable groups.
The Royal College of Nursing Wales has called for a public inquiry to fully understand the impact of the pandemic on frontline healthcare workers. The organization believes that such an inquiry is necessary to prevent a similar crisis from happening in the future.
In response to the data, a spokesperson for the Welsh government stated that the well-being of NHS staff is a priority and that efforts are being made to provide support. The government has also committed to ensuring that the experiences of NHS staff during the pandemic are thoroughly reviewed and addressed.
The figures serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by healthcare workers during the pandemic and the need for continued efforts to protect and support them in the face of such unprecedented challenges.