Responding to the latest data on sickness absence in the NHS, the director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, Miriam Deakin said:

"It is deeply concerning that anxiety, stress and depression accounted for more than half a million days lost in March 2023 – almost a quarter of all sickness absences.

"This lays bare the psychological strain on staff right across acute, mental health, community and ambulance services as staff shortages, rising operational pressures and growing demand take their toll.

"NHS trust leaders are doing everything they can to help the health and wellbeing of staff and to cover sickness absences.

"But their ability to support their staff is being hampered by a lack of funding which has led to the widespread closure of wellbeing hubs, leaving many NHS staff across the country without much-needed access to crucial mental health services.

"It is vital that additional support is provided so that staff across the NHS receive the support they need."