STAFF sickness at Basingstoke hospital increased by almost 50 per cent last year, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on NHS employees.

Figures obtained from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) through a Freedom of Information request show that in 2020, a total of 74,576 days were lost to staff sickness at Basingstoke hospital.

This was an increase of 23,717 on the previous year, when 50,859 sick days were reported.

Absence due to sickness has been steadily increasing at the hospital, in Aldermaston Road, with 44,909 sick days reported in 2017 and 48,172 in 2018.

Julie Dawes, chief nurse at HHFT, said staff sickness during the last year has “presented a challenge”.

She added: “The pressures the Covid-19 pandemic created on the NHS are well-known and like every other trust we have seen an increase in staff sickness, staff shielding and staff self-isolating over the past year. We did, however, anticipate an increase in staff sickness as we have continued to encourage staff to stay home and get tested should they display any Covid symptoms or feel unwell at any time.

“The increase in staff sickness has presented a challenge for us, but one we have overcome by working together as a team to continue to care for everyone who has needed us.”

She praised the hospital’s “committed staff” who have “gone above and beyond to volunteer for additional shifts, or work with different teams to provide support where it was needed”.

The hospital has also relied on a team of bank staff who have worked flexibly to adapt to the changing situation, as well as working with agency staff where necessary.

Ms Dawes said: “Looking after our staff is incredibly important, and there is a wide-range of support available for staff at Hampshire Hospitals to access to look after their physical and emotional wellbeing.”