Lessons from Grenfell: supporting healthcare staff wellbeing

Dr Anu Mitra, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, provides insights into his experience of the Grenfell Tower fire response and the impact of major incidents on healthcare staff. He reflects on unexpectedly leading the emergency-department response, the emotional demands of the night and his own process of recovery. The interview explores how these experiences informed his thinking about staff wellbeing more widely, including practical support, opportunities for reflection and recognising colleagues' contributions. Dr Mitra emphasises kindness and compassion within healthcare teams, and the importance of caring for ourselves and one another while caring for patients.

This interview took place at the PCCS Annual Scientific Meeting 2026 in London.