NHS Trust offers nurses free counselling to cope with the trauma of Brexit result
The move has been slammed as an 'insult to democracy'
NURSES are being offered counselling to help them cope with the "uncertainty" caused by Brexit.
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust in South East London and Kent reassured all of its 3,500 employees they would be given free sessions in the aftermath of Britain's choice to leave the EU.
The offer has been slammed as an "insult to democracy" by Ukip MEP Jane Collins who said it was pandering to those having "referendum-related tantrums".
It's after an email was sent to all district nurses and carers from Trust bosses who wrote: "We appreciate that the result of the EU referendum may worry some staff.
";We want to take this opportunity to reassure you that Oxleas values every member of staff equally, regardless of nationality."
It continued: "We are committed to ensuring that all members of staff are treated with dignity and respect wherever they work, free from undue stress and anxiety.
"There is likely to be a period of uncertainty for some time following referendum result, but we want to reassure staff that we are here to help and support you."
Last year, Stephen Firn, who was at the time chief executive of Oxleas NHS trust, joined with nine other London health trust bosses to warn against cuts to mental health funding.
Since then new boss Ben Travis has taken over the reigns at Oxleas following Mr Firn's retirement.
He is believed to be behind the decision to offer free counselling includes confidential advice and support 24 hours a day.
Ukip's Jane Collins told the : "Is this NHS trust seriously suggesting that people who believe in democracy will start attacking staff, or that their own staff need therapy to cope with the results of an election that the establishment can't get its head around?
"Up and down the country there is extraordinary pressure on services for genuinely ill people who need treatment yet here we have some right on do-gooder who has reacted like democracy is something to be ashamed or concerned about."
Top questions on the European Union
Since the UK voted for Brexit, many are turning to Google in huge numbers to find out what it means for their future.
1. What does it mean to leave the EU?
2. What is the EU?
3. Which countries are in the EU?
4. What will happen now we've left the EU?
5. How many counties are in the EU?
A spokesman for Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust refused to say how much the counselling sessions will cost.
They added: "We realised that some of our staff were concerned following the Referendum.
"Our message to staff was reassurance that we recognise the diversity of our patient population and value our workforce equally, regardless of background.
"In common with many other employers, we offer a counselling service to all staff as a standard part of employee health and well-being support, to help staff continue to carry out their challenging roles.
"The service has been in place for a number of years.
"The service has not been put in place as a result of the Referendum."
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