National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers
The Project
The National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers (NSMD), was launched on 17th September 2024 by NHS Practitioner Health and Doctors in Distress.
Since 2011, 2,500 healthcare workers in the UK have died by suicide - on average, four every week. These were dedicated professionals, family members, and friends who were struggling, often in silence.
NSMD provides an annual opportunity to honour their lives of the healthcare workers we have lost, acknowledge the challenges faced by those in the healthcare profession, and spark change to protect the mental health of healthcare workers today.
2026 Theme: Lasting Memories, Building Hope
This year, NSMD will be launching a new virtual In Remembrance wall, where tributes, photographs and shared memories can be contributed to honour those we have lost and celebrate their vocation, service and impact on others. Alongside this, a Messages of Hope wall, providing a space to leave words of encouragement, support and solidarity for colleagues who may be struggling or facing difficult times.
By taking part, you will be helping to highlight NHS England’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of NHS staff across the UK.