The NHS has launched a mental health hotline as part of a package of measures to support the NHS’ 1.4 million staff as they help people deal with the coronavirus.

This follows guidance from a national Taskforce team comprising of UK experts, including Professor Michael West from Lancaster University Management School, who collectively work to protect the wellbeing of NHS staff working on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, NHS staff will be able to call or text a free number staffed by thousands of specially trained volunteers, to receive support and advice for the pressures they face every day during the global health emergency. The volunteers will listen to NHS staff and give psychological support to those in need.

Michael West, a professor in organisational psychology, has worked with the NHS for most of his academic career, focusing on staff wellbeing, leadership, quality of care and effective team working. Now, he is on national Taskforce teams, using his research to help NHS leaders deal with the Covid-19 crisis.

He said: "This helpline is an important way of offering the vital support staff will need, working under extreme and dangerous circumstances that are emotionally and physically very challenging indeed.

"It is vital that those on the frontline are well looked after and are supported. Research shows that this is not only important for physical and mental wellbeing of staff, and therefore their continued ability to come to work, but also for safe, high quality and compassionate patient care. The better the health and wellbeing of staff, the safer the care they provide - and the more likely patients are to recover.

"I have had the privilege of working with fellow academics to contribute to a series of webinars and videos for leaders across the NHS to explain how we can best manage stress and wellbeing, lead and work in teams, and promote cultures of compassion during these unprecedented and hugely challenging times for health and social care staff."

Anyone who requires further help will be signposted to other services ranging from practical and financial assistance through to specialist bereavement and psychological support.

The phone line will be open between 7am and 11pm every day, while the text service will be 24/7.

The package of measures is part of the extensive work the NHS is doing to help provide expert care to patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prerana Issar, Chief People Officer for the NHS, said: “We need to do everything we can to support our incredible NHS people as they care for people through this global health emergency.

“That’s why we have developed a range of support for all NHS staff from one to one mental health support to a sympathetic voice to confide in.

“The NHS is rightly doing everything we can for our staff, but the best thing that the public can do if they want to do their bit for nurses, doctors and other NHS staff, is to protect them by staying indoors and washing your hands.”

The more than 1,500 volunteers who will be staffing the lines have come from charities including Hospice UK, the Samaritans and Shout.

The NHS has also partnered with Headspace, UnMind and Big Health to offer a suite of apps for no charge to assist staff with their mental health.

The apps offer support in everything from guided meditation, tools to battle anxiety and help with sleep problems.