HEALTH AND WELLBEING
We’re getting animated about health and wellbeing! There’s lots going on at NGH to promote health and wellbeing – and now we have our own animation video to tell more people about it and help spread the message! If you have downloaded the NGH Plus app, you can scan the image above with your camera to play the video. Have a go and let us know what you think… The animation is the brainchild of our health and wellbeing steering group, who for the past 18 months have been busy creating an annual programme of initiatives to help keep our staff physically fit and emotionally well. You can see in the panel some of the things we’re doing, and the video is a way of making all our staff aware of what’s on offer, and encouraging more people to get involved. The group is also carrying out a survey to see what impact the initiatives had and indeed whether they are getting things right. We’re aiming to make an active contribution to promoting and improving the wider health and wellbeing of our staff, our patients and those with whom we come into contact. To do this we are working collaboratively with staff and their representatives to develop ways of improving the health and wellbeing of our workforce in ways that are meaningful for them. We’re also supporting our patients and the local community to help everyone recognise their responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.
Health and wellbeing initiatives for NGH staff Mindfulness, stress and sleep management sessions Nutrition and Fitness classes On site gym with discounted membership Swimming pool and fitness classes Weekly walking group Weekly dancing classes Annual participation in Global Corporate Challenge Fast track physiotherapy Over 40’s health checks Under 500 calorie meals available in restaurant Healthy options vending machines available External sports activity promotions Improved bicycle parking
Scan the image above with the NGH Plus app on your phone or tablet to watch our new video
Our CEO Dr Sonia Swart signs the Time To Change pledge, watched by health and wellbeing steering group members Janine Brennan, Anne-Marie Dunkley, Sarah Ash and Charles Abolins
It’s Time to Change – we’ve signed the pledge
I
n February NGH signed up to the Time To Change employer pledge, a commitment to our staff to change how we think and act about mental health problems at every level of this organisation. One in four of us will experience a mental health problem, and nine in ten say they have faced negative treatment from others as a result. By choosing to be open about mental health, we are all part of a movement that’s changing the conversation around this subject and ensuring that anyone experiencing a mental health problem feels supported. As part of this commitment, we also supported Time to Talk Day, a day when everyone was encouraged to have a conversation about mental health to help break the silence. You don’t need to be an expert to talk about mental health. It could be as simple as asking someone how they’re doing, or sharing ways to relax after a stressful day. We want everyone who works here to feel they can be open about their mental health, and ask for support if they need it.
Insight ❘ 7