A doctor at Altnagelvin Hospital has said he is worried about the long term impact the Coronavirus crisis will have on the mental health of medical staff.
Dr Martin Kelly, who is a respiratory physician, said there could be long-term psychological repercussions for some healthcare professionals.
The physician told BBC Radio Foyle many workers are under “a lot of stress” and the situation has been very “difficult”.
Dr Kelly said he knew of staff nurses with young kids who are having to live away from their families because they are afraid of bringing the infection home “which is extremely stressful” for them.
“You see a lot of people who are scared and nervous, both staff and patients, nobody is right and nobody is wrong, Dr Kelly told the programme.
“Just because someone is afraid, there is nothing wrong with that, he added.
The physician commended the work of the Western Trust trust for providing support to their staff and looking at the long-term impact of working in the healthcare profession during these difficult times.
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