More than three in ten NHS employees have had to take time off work with mental health issues in the past year, according to a recent Unison survey.

Unison head of health Helga Pile said many NHS staff are "clearly at their limit."

She said: "Burnout is a reality in every part of the health service, from hospital wards to ambulance stations.

“Employers must do more to recognise the overwhelming pressures on all NHS staff including healthcare assistants, cleaners and paramedics."

As the staffing crisis in the health service continues, the trade union said the findings – based on more than 12,000 health workers across the UK – show the effects of burnout among employees and mean many more could quit altogether.

Panic attacks, high blood pressure, chest pains and headaches are among physical signs of stress reported by nurses, porters, 999 call handlers and other NHS staff who completed the survey. Some also said they experienced depression, low mood, sleepless nights and flashbacks.

Unison said workforce pressures are taking a huge toll as staff tackle a waiting list backlog, with many struggling to look after their wellbeing.

Of those who were off with mental health problems, one in five did not tell their employer the real cause of their absence.

The main reason for this was they did not feel their manager or employer would be supportive. 

More than one in five said they did not want their colleagues to know they had mental health issues.

Almost a quarter (24 per cent) were able to ask their employer for help with their mental health in the previous 18 months. However, nearly half (48 per cent) of those who took this step to share their issues said they did not feel supported.

Unison said staff feel undervalued and frustrated with many quitting altogether for less stressful jobs that pay more.