New drive launched to improve NHS workplace health

NHS England has launched a new drive that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of 1.3 million health service staff.

The five million pound initiative consists of three distinct pillars, with the first being a move to improve NHS staff health, spearheaded by a group of leading NHS hospital, mental health, ambulance, community and clinical commissioning group employers.

Secondly, a nationally-specified occupational health service will be launch for GPs who are suffering from burnout and stress, in partnership with the Royal College of GPs and the British Medical Association's General Practitioners Committee.

Finally, national action will be taken by NHS England, working in partnership with Public Health England and other agencies, to challenge and support catering contractors and PFI providers to raise the standards of food and nutrition.

Simon Stevens, NHS England's chief executive, said: "NHS staff have some of the most critical but demanding jobs in the country. When it comes to supporting the health of our own workforce, frankly the NHS needs to put its own house in order."

Public Health England estimates the cost to the NHS of staff absence due to poor health at 2.4 billion pounds a year, underlining the importance of solving this problem.