A refreshed approach to supporting the health and wellbeing of colleagues has resulted in an improvement in attendance at work and a reduction in our sickness absence rates.

Our sickness percentage has fallen from 4.7% in April 2017 to 3.63 % last month, short-term sickness has reduced from 1.42% to 1.15% and long-term reduced from 3.30% and 2.48%. Days lost per month have also reduced from 2,199 to 1,819 in short term and from 5,114 to 3,926 for long-term sickness.

The Occupational Health Department has introduced various health and wellbeing initiatives including mindfulness, the good sleep guide and top tips to better health and wellbeing. Further information on these initiatives can be found in the new guide to health and wellbeing. If you have not seen a copy ask your line manager or contact the Occupational Health Department telephone 01422 222037 or the Workforce and Organisational Development Directorate telephone 01484 355002. Or view it online here.

In addition,  we achieved out best ever flu immunisation percentage of 76% last winter resulting in less colleagues becoming ill with flu symptoms and needing time off  than in previous years. Executive Director of Workforce and Organisational Development Ian Warren said “The health and wellbeing of our colleagues is one of the most critical aspects of a truly caring organisation. Without people, who are well and at work, the NHS could not deliver the best quality services or most compassionate and effective care to patients. The approach we have adopted which includes focused return to work interview and earlier contact with colleagues who are absent has resulted in improvements in attendance at work and most importantly the health and wellbeing of our staff.”  

If you would like to know more about the excellent work been undertaken please contact the Occupational Health Department Telephone 01422 222037.