The high level of staff absence within the NHS is currently under the microscope as government and managers try to see what they can do to reduce the number of days staff have off sick each year, which costs the NHS millions.
The average NHS staff member has up to 10.7 working days off sick every year with a high incidence of absence through stress and physical problems such as back injuries being reported. This level of staff absenteeism can have a negative effect on patient care with theatre lists and clinic sessions having to be cancelled due to low staffing levels.
Many staff claim they do not have sufficient time during breaks to eat healthily and often grab crisps and chocolate just to keep them going instead of going to the canteen to get a meal or a sandwich.
A new report has come up with a series of guidelines to try and improve the health of NHS staff which includes access to counselling to deal with worries caused by stress, regular health check ups and advice on healthier eating and ways to fit more exercise into the working day.
Ideas that have been given include walking up the stairs instead of taking the lift and parking the car at the back of the staff car park and walking.
Other relevant posts:
At Home Fitness Equipment – A look at different types of exercise equipment.