OVERWORKED Barnsley Hospital staff who are working in some of the ‘toughest conditions’ in NHS history are set to benefit from a six-figure project to improve their wellbeing.
The grant - from NHS Charities Together and NHS England - totals £140,760 for Barnsley and has been awarded as part of an £11m ‘Stronger Together’ programme.
Leaders behind the scheme hailed staff as the ‘driving force behind our healthcare system’ but admitted they are currently working in tough conditions - in what is set to be the busiest winter on record in A and E - with growing pressure mounting from increased demand for health services.
Through the funding, Barnsley Hospital Charity - in partnership with the occupational health and wellbeing team at Barnsley Hospital - will address the ‘multi-factorial and interconnected challenges of accessibility, quality and prevention in staff wellbeing’, particularly in relation to musculoskeletal (MSK) health.
Steven Ned, executive director of people at the hospital, said: “We are incredibly grateful to NHS Charities Together and NHS England for this funding.
“This new project, called Stronger Together, will further support the wellbeing of our staff and volunteers at Barnsley Hospital, all of which will enable us to continuously improve our patient care.”
From innovative wellbeing solutions for night workers, to neurodiversity tools and improved trauma support, each of the projects receiving funding have been designed after engaging with staff across the NHS to understand what they need.
Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, added: “Many NHS staff feel that theirs is the best job in the world but these roles come with a tremendous responsibility for the lives they care for, and at a time of incredible pressure on health services, this takes a toll on their mental and physical wellbeing.
“It goes without saying that we need a healthy workforce if we want a thriving NHS that can give patients the care they need.
“This funding means NHS charities like Barnsley Hospital Charity can help ensure NHS staff prioritise their own health and wellness with the same care they give to patients.
“We are delighted we can support this important work.
“We’ve spent a lot of time talking to frontline staff and analysing evidence from previous projects to arrive at solutions that will give healthcare staff the right tools to look after their own wellbeing.
“The new ten-year health plan for England is an opportunity to reimagine care and it is vital that the workforce, who are at the heart of delivering this, are fully supported in their roles.
“The NHS can’t tackle these challenges alone, so we also have a role to play in reaching and improving wellbeing for all staff - our aim is to share insights of what works and help scale these interventions to transform how NHS staff are supported in future.”
Many of the projects receiving grants have been designed in response to specific needs or challenges highlighted by NHS workers.
Staff emphasised the importance of moving away from a focus on crisis management when it comes to mental and physical health issues.
The alternative being to prioritise a more proactive approach with holistic wellbeing support, early mental health intervention and reduced stigma around seeking help.
They also identified the right line management culture and leadership to understand and support teams’ mental and physical wellbeing as being key.
Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, praised the funding and the impact it will have.
“NHS staff make a difference to people’s lives and their communities every single day, often working under great pressure and in challenging environments, as we expect to see this winter.
“It’s vital that we support their health and wellbeing.
“This new programme will trial the latest innovation to help address some of the biggest challenges that staff say affect their working lives - from specialist tools and support during night shifts to greater support after trauma or for those who are neurodivergent.”
