Health and
Wellbeing
Staff that are happy and thriving in their working environment will inevitably have a more enjoyable experience in the workplace, contributing to the provision of excellent health care for all of our patients. The Dudley Group recognises our commitment to staff wellbeing in a variety of ways.
Employees are most productive when they are working in an environment which supports their health and wellbeing
Overview of Trust
Wellbeing Offer
- Offering free professional support where needed.
- Physical health offers
- Development of Wellbeing Champions
- Monthly calendar or wellbeing events
- Regular wellbeing communications
- Wellbeing events, competitions and engagement in staff
- Wellbeing books available from the Trust library
- Wellbeing support on a bespoke basis, for teams or individually
- Variety of outdoor breakout spaces for staff
Employees are most productive when they are working in an environment which supports their health and well being
OUR PEOPLE, THEIR INSIGHTS -
PAIGE MASSEY
Paige Massey provides an overview of her role as the Wellbeing Business Partner at The Dudley Group.
Occupational Health
Service (SHAW)
Occupational Health - Our mission and Vision
The Dudley Group Occupational Health Service incorporates Staff Health and Wellbeing (SHAW) Services. In the wake of the Blake and Boorman Reviews 2009, SEQOHS accreditation requirements, Health and Safety legislation, and NICE guidance, we are committed to providing:
- Services to prevent staff from becoming ill or injured at work
- Actively promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace
- Maximise access to and retention of work through timely rehabilitation services
Our Vision is to develop and support the following:
Healthier, more motivated staff have been shown to deliver better, safer, higher quality care on a more consistent basis.
Staff-driven health and wellbeing initiatives have the potential to being the culture change needed to encourage innovation at all levels within the NHS.
Reducing sickness absence will mean more staff will be at work, improving morale and reducing stress. Coupled with better staff engagement, early interventions, and pro-active support pathways, there is a powerful and pragmatic way to improve employers own health and wellbeing, impacting upon patient care and productivity.
Raising staff awareness of how to prevent ill health in their own lives and introducing innovation modules for staff wellbeing in the workplace will encourage staff to become strong advocates for prevention, passing on ideas and practice to patients and enabling them to contribute to the wider public health agenda. (NHS Employers 2009).
Physiotherapy Service
For Staff
All staff employed by the Dudley Group can access the Staff Health and Wellbeing Physiotherapy Service.
This physiotherapy service has two objectives:
To keep staff fit and healthy at work and to prevent sickness absence
Following a period of sickness absence we can assist and support a safe return to work
WHAT CONDITIONS DO WE TREAT:
- Musculoskeletal injuries affecting all joints
Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis
- Overuse/repetitive strain injuries
- Whiplash-associated disorders and back pain
- Posture-related pain
- Sports injuries
Your Journey -
Mental Wellbeing
Introduction to mental wellbeing
When we think about mental wellbeing, we may already have a few ideas around what this means to us and others around us.
As a starting point, the World Health Organisation (WHO) provides the following definition
“Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder. It is defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.
It might be easier to think of mental wellbeing as a continuum and that you are never realistically going to be in one fixed state, and that’s okay. One day you might feel like you’re thriving and can take on the world, whereas another day you may feel like you’re just getting by.
It’s important to always be kind to yourself and acknowledge how you’re feeling, and just as you would with your physical health, give yourself a break, or ask for help if you need it.
Some things to consider when supporting your mental wellbeing could be:
Select a title below to find out more information
this could be with a colleague, family member, friend, or partner. Simply sharing how you feel could make you feel more supported and listened to. You could tie this into an already planned activity, such as a walk, or a coffee and a catch up.
Aside from keeping your brain and other organs healthy, exercise can also help boost your self-esteem, help with concentration, help you sleep and generally feel better! You could also make your exercise more social, perhaps exercising with friends or family, or by joining a gym and trying out new classes.
Try to be mindful of what you’re eating and drinking and how it may be making you feel not just physically, but also mentally. Remember, your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well.
Try to be mindful of what you’re eating and drinking and how it may be making you feel not just physically, but also mentally. Remember, your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well.
In some cases, all you need is a catch up with someone who cares about you to help you gain some perspective. Make time to prioritise having connections with others and have some fun.
It may be that your friends and family are what you need to help support you, but there are also a variety of professional services available too. There is always someone there to help you in times of need, so please reach out if you need support.
Taking some time for yourself is good for your mental health. It could be something as small as getting outside for your lunch break or taking an evening off and practicing some self-care. If you’ve never done this before it might feel unfamiliar at first, but keep practicing to help form some healthy habits.
Remember to take time to enjoy yourself and engage in activities that make you feel good! If nothing springs to mind, why not learn a new skill or hobby.
Remember that we are all different and we all experience life through our own lens, focus on that rather than thinking about what others may have. Always remember – be compassionate towards yourself, to allow compassion to flow to others.
Caring for others gives us a sense of connection and belonging. This could be care for our colleagues, friends, family and our pets! You could expand this further by offering some of your free time to volunteering for a local charity, or by supporting your local community.
Finding what works
Finding what works for you is a great way of getting to know yourself better and understanding what helps support you to be at your best! Remember, what helps support you, may not be the same for others and vice versa.
You could even write a ‘go to’ list of what works for you and set yourself some ‘none-negotiable’ time for YOU, however small it may seem. You could even discuss ideas with friends, colleagues and your family.
It’s important to always be kind to yourself and acknowledge how you’re feeling, and just as you would with your physical health, give yourself a break, or ask for help if you need it.
Professional Support
However, please don’t forget that professional support is always there if required and there are a variety of free, self-referral support offers that are offered locally, regionally, and nationally.
It’s completely normal to feel a little unsure when considering what support is out there, so we have developed our ‘pathways to professional support’ to help you explore your options.
Please feel free to take a look and make sure you access support if you feel you need it.
LINKS TO USEFUL RESOURCES
Further information and resources about mental wellbeing.
Below are some useful website links that can help and support your mental wellbeing.
