We talk often—and rightly—about the toll trauma takes on military veterans and first responders. But some of the most unspoken suffering happens in hospital corridors, ambulance bays, and emergency wards. Healthcare workers, especially those in emergency medicine, trauma units, and critical care, are exposed to relentless pressure, traumatic events, and emotional exhaustion. Over time, this doesn’t just lead to burnout—it becomes chronic, cumulative trauma.
Recent studies show that nearly 45% of healthcare professionals report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after major health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number was even higher. However, unlike military or police settings where PTSD is increasingly recognised, in healthcare the stigma remains. Many continue working through trauma because the system isn’t built to support their mental health needs.
The mental health system itself is overstretched. NHS mental health services can have waiting lists that stretch for months. Private therapy is expensive and often inaccessible to junior staff. Support that’s available is rarely tailored to the specific experiences of healthcare professionals—who face a unique mix of responsibility, compassion fatigue, and moral injury.
At Sentra, we believe that doctors, nurses, paramedics, and call handlers deserve the same level of care they provide to others. They shouldn’t have to wait weeks for support. They shouldn’t have to explain away their trauma to a system that doesn’t fully understand it. They should have access to confidential, 24/7 tools that understand the pressures of their roles—and respond with empathy, not bureaucracy.
The silent crisis of PTSD in healthcare will only be solved when we normalise the conversation and create tools built specifically for those who serve on the medical front lines. Sentra is one small part of that effort—and we’re committed to making a difference.
