Publish date: 3 February 2021
Better Health at work award for local NHS trust
One of the region’s largest NHS trusts has received top praise for its commitment to look after the health and wellbeing of its employees during the pandemic.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded Maintaining Excellence, the highest level, of the Better Health at Work Award, a regional scheme recognising workplaces’ efforts to improve staff health and wellbeing.
In addition, the trust has also been awarded ambassador status, in recognition of its work to support the wellbeing of staff over the last ten years – a status which only a select number of organisations are awarded.
The report gave special recognition to the trust for ensuring that staff, as well as patients, have been looked after during what has been a challenging time for everyone.
It also highlighted the organisation’s responsiveness to the pressing priorities of staff members during the progression of the pandemic.
Kylie Murrell, staff wellbeing lead for the trust, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to have achieved this accolade, especially in such difficult circumstances. The health and wellbeing of our staff has long been a priority for the organisation and when covid-19 emerged, we were able to build on these great foundations in order to enhance our support to staff.
“This year has been extremely challenging for our staff, they have worked harder than ever before, going above and beyond both on the frontline to look after our patients and behind the scenes to keep everything running as smoothly as possible during the pandemic. It has been very important to us that they get all of the support and help that they need too. We will continue to develop our well-established staff wellbeing programme.”
Judith Stonebridge, consultant in public health at the trust, added:
“We are delighted to have received this award which demonstrates the commitment and effort of the organisation to support the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of our staff.”
The report also commended the trust’s collaborative approach, working with partners for the greater good and wider footprint of the trust, demonstrating an understanding of its role, value and contribution to patients, staff and the wider community and economy.