Staff Networks
We recognise that our staff are our biggest asset, and that staff who feel supported and well represented are more likely to achieve job satisfaction. We are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive culture, where staff have an opportunity to share the challenges that they may experience belonging to a marginalised group.
The Trust currently has three Staff Networks to represent these marginalised groups. Please find more information on these below.
BAME Staff Network
Our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network aims to empower BAME staff to achieve their potential through creating positive change.
The Network aims to keep staff up to date with the latest information on COVID-19 and other BAME issues and priorities that the Network will focus on.
Disability and Allies Staff Network
The Disability and Allies Network is dedicated to supporting and promoting equality or people with disabilities within Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The Network aims to listen, support and represent staff with disabilities and those with caring responsibilities.
LGBTQ+ and Allies Staff Network
LGBTQ+ is an acronym used to describe people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and all other identities i.e. non-binary. The aim of this Network is to provide a supportive environment where all LGBTQ+ staff can share information and be heard about areas that need development.
To find out more about our Staff Networks and how to join, please take a look on our Staff Intranet.
Resources and guidance to support your health wellbeing within the workplace
Date of publication: November 2022
© Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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Supporting your health and wellbeing at work
A message from our Head of Staff Engagement, Health and Wellbeing
Thank you for everything you do, and continue to do, day in and day out.
Your mental and physical health and wellbeing is very important to us. Working in an acute hospital environment can be uncertain, relentless and therefore strenuous on our health and wellbeing.
The way we support each other, and care for our patients, is outstanding; however looking after ourselves (both physically and emotionally) is equally important.
Useful wellbeing apps
There are various health and wellbeing apps provided free of charge to NHS staff. Please see a list below.
Team BEDSFT
(www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/staff-app
This is our Trust staff app, which also has a number of support services signposted through the app.
Unmind (www.unmind.com)
Unmind is a mental health platform that empowers staff to proactively improve their mental wellbeing.
Headspace (Headspace.com)
Headspace is a science-backed app in mindfulness and meditation, providing unique tools and resources to help reduce stress, build resilience, and aid better sleep. Avaliable until 31December 2022.
Jennie Jones, Head of Staff Engagement, Health and Wellbeing
It’s ok not to be ok - remember you are not alone, we are in this together and we are here to help YOU.
We have put this pack together to show you the positive action we are taking on your health and wellbeing with initiatives that are open to you, our colleagues. It contains ideas, suggestions and details of support available to keep you well during this time.
If you have any other ideas on things we can do to help you further please e-mail Jennie (Head of Staff Engagement, Health and Wellbeing) at Jennie.Jones@ldh.nhs.uk.
#StayAlive (www.stayalive.app)
The Stay Alive app is a suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in a crisis.
Bright Sky (www.Hestia.org/brightsky)
Bright Sky is a confidential mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.
Zero Suicide Alliance (www.ZeroSuicideAlliance.com)
Zero Suicide Alliance provides you with a range of free online learning sessions that provide you with a better understanding of the signs to look out for when someone who is struggling.
WorkLife Central (www.worklifecentral.com)
The WorkLife Central programme consists of a curated collection of expertise, information and inspiration available through video, live event and written format, covering areas – careers, families, inclusion, wellbeing and workplace. Available until 31March 2023.
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Useful exercise apps / resources
NHS Hiking (www.NHShiking.co.uk)
NHS Hiking are inviting staff to join other NHS employees on organised walks through the countryside.
MapMyWalk (Mapmywalk.com)
MapMyWalk GPS for iPhone, Android or Windows- MapMyWalk provides an overview of your physical activity which you can upload and save to view on the app and the MapMyWalk website. It also contains a social feature which allows you to share your route with friends and encouraging words.
Go Jauntly (www.GoJauntly.com)
Go Jauntly is a walking app that helps people to discover over 700 walking routes through the UK. Information such as walking times to the nearest tube station, overground stations and cycle docking stations are available, as well as directions for local walks.
Strava (www.Strava.com)
Strava for iPhone and Andriod- Strava can be used to track physical activity, from cycling to windsurfing and of course walking. Using a built in GPS it can measure distance, time, elevation gain, calories and you can also create and share walking routes with friends.
Weightloss support
Various platforms offer discounted access to their programmes as part of the Better Health campaign (Public Health England).
Slimming World: www.slimmingworld.co.uk/betterhealth
Weight Watchers: www.weightwatchers.com/uk/betterhealth
Occupational Health (OH)
The Occupational Health Team are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of all staff across the Trust. The team provide a confidential service that is proactive, adaptive and preventative. They also supply information, advice, guidance and support to employees and managers.
OH at L&D:
The Occupational Health Department can be found in front of the Breast Screening Department on Lewsey Road.
The department is open Monday-Fridays (except bank holidays) from 08:00 -1pm and 1:30pm – 4:30pm.
Telephone: 01582 497226
Email: occreception@ldh.nhs.uk
OH at Bedford:
The Occupational Health Department at Bedford is based on the South Wing site, ground floor of Britannia House.
Noom: https://web2.noom.com/better-health/
Second Nature: https://page.secondnature.io/sn-betterhealth
Get Slim: www.getslim.co.uk/betterhealth
The department is open Monday - Fridays (except bank holidays) from 08:30 - 1pm and 1:30 – 4:30pm.
Telephone: 01234 355122
Extension: 5896
Email: Occupational.Health@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
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Employee Assistance Programme (CiC)
Our Employee Assistance Programme (ran independently by CiC Wellbeing) is a free information, support and counselling service available to all staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They provide a range of confidential services from therapy and emotional support with everyday worries, to support and guidance on specific concerns including debt and financial management, legal, tax and family care.
Phone: 0800 085 1376
Email: assist@cicwellbeing.com
Online Live Chat: www.well-online.co.uk and log-in using the below details.
Cycle to Work—Salary sacrifice scheme
Cycling to work is an easy way to significantly improve your fitness. There are proven links between cycling and the reduction of various health problems, notably heart disease, obesity and cancer.
L&D: The Cycle Scheme for L&D staff allows the hire purchase of a bicycle through monthly instalments. This spreads the cost over a period of 12 months and saves you money due to coming off of your gross income. Find more at www.cyclescheme.co.uk/
Bedford: The Salary Sacrifice Cycle to Work Scheme for Bedford staff helps you save money on a new work bike. The scheme spreads the cost over monthly tax-free instalments through your payslip.
You can register and login to Vivup (www.Vivup.co.uk/employee) where you can view the full range of bikes and accessories available.
L&D:
Username: lalogin
Password: wellbeing
Bedford: Username: jhlogin
Password: wellbeing
Cycle storage
L&D: Staff can access the Cycle Hub on the L&D site (across from A&E) by registering with the Security Office.
Bedford: There are two cycle compounds on the South Wing site (one at the main entrance and one at the A&E entrance). Contact Robert.Pack@Bedfordhospital.nhs.uk (Estates Department) to request access.
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Carers support
We have The Carers Hub, which is run by Carers in Bedfordshire. At the hub you can receive support in a safe and confidential setting. The charity is experienced in understanding hospital processes around discharge and continuing care once back in the community.
The hub will be staffed Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm. You can also contact support workers at the hub on 07859 394126 or email carershub@carersinbeds.org.uk.
Fast–track physio self-referral
L&D: Staff at the L&D should contact Occupational Health (ext. 7226) before completing and submitting the self-referral form (www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/staff-self-referralform-for-msk) Please complete the form using Google Chrome.
Bedford: Staff at the Bedford site can use the self-referral form (www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/staff-self-referral-formfor-msk) to fast-track a referral to the physiotherapy team for treatment.
Peer Listeners
For further information about how the charity supports unpaid carers in Bedfordshire visit www.carersinbeds.org.uk.
Local gyms
Getting down to your local gym to exercise can provide obvious benefits to your physical health but is also a key way of boosting your mental wellbeing! As an NHS employee, there are numerous gym companies which provide discounted memberships to you for using their facilities.
Health Service discounts— (www.healthservicediscounts.com)
Blue Light Card— (bluelightcard.co.uk)
We have a Peer Listener Service, which aims to provide a listening ear to colleagues when they are most in need. This service is based on the principles of psychological first aid.
Our Peer Listener network consists of motivated staff members who are willing to provide this support when it is needed. Our listeners are appropriately trained and receive regular support for the role.
This service is not formal counselling, coaching or therapy, although Peer Listeners will be able to provide information about specialist services if these are thought to be needed. Our Peer Listeners can be identified from the list of names below, but also from a badge on their lanyard which makes them identifiable.
To find a list of our current Peer Listeners, please take a look on the staff intranet. The Peer Listener details can be found under: Staff Hub - Support for Staff - Peer Listener Service.
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Freedom to Speak Up
Patient safety is paramount at Bedfordshire Hospitals and all staff have a duty to raise concerns so we can learn from mistakes and maintain a high quality of care. We want to encourage a culture of “speaking up” so everyone feels comfortable raising a concern and confident that it will be investigated effectively.
We have two FTSU Guardians, alongside a number of specially-trained Champions who you can speak to confidentially about any concerns you may have.
Clive Underwood, Freedom to Speak Up Guardian:
“We hope that staff members are able to speak to their immediate line manager about any concerns, but if support is needed to do this, they can link in with myself and Lana, your Trust Freedom to Speak Up Guardians or our local Freedom to Speak Up Champions, which we have across the Trust.
Check-In, Check-Out
The Check-In and Check-Out is a short and simple intervention to be used within teams at the start of the shift or at handover before any patient detail or operational concern is discussed.
It is based on ‘StartWellEndWell’, developed by Olivia Donnelly at North Bristol NHS Trust, which has been shown to improve to team working and staff experience of feeling cared for.
At our Trust we use a two-stage process, at the start and end of a shift, in order to promote opportunities:
For staff to be recognised and connect with colleagues
To have a say in how the team work together
To set the conditions that create psychological safety
To decompress the emotional burdens of the shift
To have their efforts appreciated
To notice all that we do well and be compassionate to ourselves and to our colleagues
It is important that how this protocol works in teams is influenced by the teams themselves and their managers or leads. This should be developed and adopted from the ‘inside, out’ and used because teams find it useful.
Guardians
Lana Haslam (for Bedford)
Email: Lana.haslam@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
Telephone: 07585402774
Clive Underwood (for Luton)
E-mail: Speakuptoclive@ldh.nhs.uk
Telephone: 07989 442013
If you and your team would like support to do this, then you can contact Harriet Nicholls (harriet.nicholls@ldh.nhs.uk), Amanda Spong (Amanda.spong2@ldh.nhs.uk), Bright Gyampoh (bright.gyampoh@ldh.nhs.uk) or Claudia Chetcuti Ganado
(Claudia.ChetcutiGanado@ldh.nhs.uk) to discuss.
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Menopause Support
For many colleagues, the menopause can bring with it serious physical and psychological impacts which may leave the staff member feeling less able to do their jobs, anxious or depressed. If you are going through the menopause and want advice and guidance you can:
Visit Henpicked’s (https://henpicked.net/menopause-hub/) digital menopause hub with articles, advice, Q&As and an online community to support you
Do our e-learning module “418 E-Learning – Skills Boosters –Menopause at Work” is available by searching on ESR.
Go to the NHS website (www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause) which has guidance on menopause and its symptoms, treatment and support. Additionally, access our Trust’s menopause policy via the intranet.
Stop smoking support
Smoking is the primary cause of preventable illness and premature death in England. However, we understand that for our staff who do smoke, the prospect of quitting can seem daunting. We have Stop Smoking initiatives:
L&D: Total Wellbeing Luton provides Stop Smoking Cessation Clinics across various Locations in Luton. To enquire, please phone 0300 555 4152 or text ‘QUIT2022’ to 60066. www.totalwellbeingluton.org
Bedford: Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Stop Smoking Service offer support to staff. Telephone clinics (08000130553) are available MondaySaturday (including evenings). www.thestopsmokingservice.co.uk/ ready-to-quit/.
Staff Side
The Trust has an excellent working relationship with our Staff Side and recognises the vital role that they play in our organisation. Staff Side is made up of representatives from recognised trade unions.
They are here to discuss concerns about your employment; work with your employer to find solutions and represent you in negotiations.
Please find the details of our local trade union representatives below.
Ian Thomas
UNISON Branch Secretary & Staff
Side Chair
Phone: 01234 355122
Ext: 6454
Email: Ian.Thomas@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
Eleanor Richie Deputy Staff Side Chair
RCM Steward, Health & Safety Representative
Email:
Eleanor.Ritchie@ldh.nhs.uk
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Wellbeing Spaces
In an environment as busy as the acute hospital, sometimes we all need a safe space to gather our thoughts and recharge.
We are proud to have two wellbeing spaces open to all staff. These spaces are designed to provide colleagues with an area where they can unwind, recharge and meditate. These have been fitted with reclining chairs, mood lighting and atmospheric features to create a tranquil spot within the hustle-and bustle of our acute hospitals.
Chaplaincy
The Chaplains and Chaplaincy Team at the Trust offer confidential support to all staff of any faith or no faith.
They provide and facilitate spiritual, pastoral and religious care and offer advice and support at times of loss.
The hospitals have a full time Lead Chaplain who co-ordinates the work of the Chaplaincy with Chaplains and Volunteers drawn from our many faith and cultural communities. Chaplains of various faiths regularly visit the hospital, or will attend when requested. They can be contacted via the Chaplaincy Office.
Chaplaincy Service at L&D:
Ext: 7370 or contact Duty Chaplain via Switchboard.
Email: Chaplaincy@ldh.nhs.uk
Wellbeing spaces at L&D: The wellbeing room is located in the Chiltern Restaurant, past the serving area round to the left.
Wellbeing spaces at Bedford: The wellbeing room is located on the ground floor, on your left as you enter AAU from the main entrance.
Chaplaincy Service at Bedford: Ext: 5901 or contact duty chaplain via Switchboard. Email: Chaplaincy@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
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Financial Support
We know that it is a difficult time for many people and that financial concerns are amongst the biggest reason for mental health problems and low morale. There are lots of helpful resources available for those experiencing struggles with finances.
Schwartz Rounds
Schwartz Rounds provide a structured forum where all staff, clinical and non-clinical, come together regularly to discuss the emotional and social aspects of working in healthcare.
Employee Assistance Programme (CIC): The CIC service offer support and guidance on specific concerns including debt and financial management. (Page 4)
Schwartz Rounds are open to all staff members, clinical and non-clinical. The underlying premise for Rounds is that the compassion shown by staff can make all the difference to a patient’s experience of care, but that in order to provide compassionate care staff must, in turn, feel supported in their work.
The Money Advice Service: Free and impartial money advice, set up by government. Advice, tools and calculators to help you manage your finances https:// www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en.html
For more information email Katie.Gough@ldh.nhs.uk or Hazel.Watson@ldh.nhs.uk take
Healthcare Workers Foundation: A range of support for NHS workers including childcare support grants, PPE kits deliveries and counselling https:// healthcareworkersfoundation.org/
Citizens Advice Bureau: Free debt advice and help https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ pensions guidance.
Take heART was formed in July 2021 by a group of like-minded staff members who are all passionate about increasing the availability of the arts for our patients, visitors and staff.
To support and enhance the wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff within our hospitals through the arts
To use the arts as a means of fostering relationships between our hospitals and the community
NHS staff telephone support line
NHS colleagues can call this support line for free and impartial money guidance from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. 0800 448 0826
To encourage parity in the provision of visual arts across both of our hospital sites
Find out more on the intranet. Departments and wards —
Occupational Health and wellbeing Take heart
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HeART
