How To Improve Hospital Employees’ Health And Wellbeing: A Staff Consultation

Abstract Background: The health and wellbeing of healthcare workers influences absenteeism, presenteeism and ultimately patient care and outcomes. In 2016 NHS England funded six pilot sites to launch the ‘NHS Healthy Workforce Project’, a programme of services and support for NHS staff to support their health and wellbeing. This paper explores the perspectives of healthcare workers in a large public hospital (11,000 staff) on employers supporting their health and wellbeing, and the initiatives being trialled. Methods: Heads of departments/services were invited to convene focus groups, which were facilitated by a moderator using a semi-structured discussion guide. An observer took notes and circulated sign-in sheets to capture approximate numbers of attendees. The discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.Results: Approximately 450 members of staff participated in 28 focus groups. Themes identified were: 1) unique nature of working in a large hospital, 2) hospital management agenda and relationship with staff, 3) working environment, and 4) staff health and wellbeing initiatives. Optimal uptake of health-promoting initiatives was hindered in part due to lack of staff awareness and a range of barriers, such as lack of time, limited breaks, putting patients first, not trusting employers’ motivations, issues of confidentiality, and inadequate facilities. Key requirements for improving staff health were perceived to be sufficient staffing, time and space to work safely and comfortably. Conclusions: Rather than investing in a range of initiatives devised by the organisation (a top down approach), an essential first step might be to engage with staff to hear their views, build trust and identify their needs (a bottom up approach). Looking after NHS staff health has become even more of a priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. As staff needs change, as they have done during the pandemic, it is important to continue engaging with them to understand how best to support them to look after their health and stay safe. Increased pressure on NHS staff is likely to have decreased the time they have to look after their own health and wellbeing, making it even more important that managers engage with and listen to their staff’s views.