CHFT is working on developing a colleague health and wellbeing strategy to make us all healthier and focus on and promote wellness.

A series of focus groups were held this month to draw on ideas and experiences from a wide range of colleagues which will help bring together some key themes to help support the workforce in the coming years. 

On average 13.33 fte days were lost per employee during 2014/2015. Stress and musculo-skeletal conditions are the main reasons for absences and work will be aimed at reducing these.

So it is important for the Trust to look at reducing sickness absence and helping colleagues to stay healthy and in work.

Occupational health's Christine Bouckley, said: " We've been bowled over by the interest and representations from all divisions to our focus groups. It is important but our own personal health can often be overlooked  because we are so busy. Working together on this is bringing a lot of energy to the process and I am sure we bring about some positive changes.

“ We want colleagues to feel every day is a good day and feeling energised, able and keen to live it to the full. This would have a tremendous impact on our ability to delivering compassionate care through teamwork which helps us to be resourceful and creative.”

Essential to its success will be the continued support of our Well-Being Champions.

If you have any ideas/suggestions, or would like to become a well-being champion please contact: christine.bouckley@cht.nhs.uk