Weston General launches campaign to improve staff health

The ‘Health and Wellbeing Week’ initiative runs from 31st October to 4th November and aims to make the hospital’s workplace even healthier.

The week will see the Trust, which runs the hospital, host a wide range of events designed to improve the health and wellbeing of its 2,000 staff.

Activities range from fitness classes, salsa and weight management sessions, to breast care guidance, yoga and breathing and relaxation classes.

Additional healthy eating options will also be added to the menu at Rafters, the restaurant at Weston General Hospital, alongside the usual salad bar.

The Trust will host early morning and evening classes so staff who work around the clock delivering care to patients, will still have the opportunity to get involved.  Those attending classes will also be given a free Pedometer so that they can track their daily steps.

There is a strong case for supporting NHS staff to live healthier lives. 15.7 million Working days were lost in the NHS due to work-related stress, depression and anxiety during the last year.

Public Health England also estimates the cost to the NHS of staff absence due to poor health at £2.4 billion a year.

Speaking on the initiative, Sheridan Flavin, Director of Human Resources at the Trust, said: “As the largest local employer in Weston, we’re fully aware that our staff take on demanding and often emotionally challenging roles.

“It is right that we provide opportunities to help them care for and improve their own health and wellbeing in the same way that we ask them to look after our patients.”

Recent research suggests a direct link between improved staff wellbeing and better patient care and Weston General Hospital hopes the campaign will make a real difference to staff and their patients.

Sheridan Flavin adds: “The activities and events we have planned for the week are aimed at giving our busy staff more opportunities to be active and healthy.

“We are confident the end result will be a healthier, happier working environment – and that can only be of benefit to our staff and patients.”