We are safe and healthy
“The basic attribute of mankind is to look after each other.”
Keeping our staff safe and healthy is one of our key priorities. We take this duty seriously and want you to feel that we are supporting you to be the very best you can be in every area of your life. How are we doing this?
- We actively promote respect of our staff and take a zero tolerance approach to abuse of any kind.
- We have an annual Workforce Wellbeing Week which promotes the organisation's wellbeing offer including Physical, Mental and Financial wellbeing. You can find out more about this on the intranet.
- Our annual winter vaccination programme ensures you are protected against seasonal viruses. Come along to our Flu and COVID-19 drop ins, book an appointment for our clinics that are held at South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital. Look out for the mobile vaccination teams and there is plenty of availability to ensure all staff are vaccinated. Information can be found each week on the e-Bulletin as well as on the intranet, or you can book your vaccinations through OPAS-G2.
- We have a dedicated staff psychological and emotional support service called Thrive. This provides support from our own in-house psychological service team via telephone, as well as face to face sessions, team check-ins and mindfulness sessions and can also link in with other services.
- We have a fantastic Occupational Health team who can support and off advice on work health issues and can offer staff fast-track physiotherapy for musculoskeletal issues , which you can find out more about on the staff intranet or by contacting the Occ Health team at: stsft.ochealth@nhs.net.
- Our Workforce Wellbeing Team offer health & wellbeing checks, carer advice, advice on health & wellbeing topics such as menopause and run regular health promotion campaigns. You can find out more about on the staff intranet or by contacting the Workforce Wellbeing team at: stsft.wellbeing@nhs.net.
- We also offer fast access to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) for all colleagues. As a member of Team STSFT you are eligible for priority access to these services. For more info, call either the Gateshead team on 0191 283 2541 or the South Tyneside team 0191 283 2937 and let them know you work for the Trust. (STSFT do not provide the Talking Therapies service in Sunderland, there as a member of staff if you self refer and contact this service we cannot guarantee that you will get priority access.)
- Our Trust Health and Wellbeing strategy has a focus on workplace health. The guide covers our workforce health, as well as our drive to help our communities live better and how we can offer the best start in life. We have achieved a Maintaining Better Health at Work Award for our efforts to improve staff health and wellbeing and awe are now aiming for the Gold award.
- We run regular campaigns and initiatives to support staff who may need help to quit smoking, to reduce their alcohol intake or change their diet.
- We have Schwartz Rounds to help staff to reflect on the emotional and social aspects of working in healthcare. The sessions bring together people from across the Trust to look at aspects of careers in the NHS, and we've had excellent feedback from those who attended our first rounds.
- We have a dedicated staff health and fitness centre and offer a fully equipped gym and over 22 classes in the studio. The centre, based at Sunderland Royal Hospital, is ran by our experienced health and wellbeing team and offers a friendly and relaxed environment. It also has its own lounge area, where staff can meet for a catch up and have their lunch, with a sauna and steam room also on site.
- Our Cycle to Work scheme provides access to affordable bikes for staff who want to be more active and cycle to work. It offers the chance to buy a bike or e-bike and accessories at a discounted price.
