Staff and Wellbeing

Staff are an employer's most valuable asset and by investing in the provision of Staff Health and Wellbeing Services, we can positively contribute to the long-term health and performance of our workforce.


Our aim is to provide a comprehensive service which is accessible to both staff and managers. This contributes to maintaining and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of all employees within the workplace.

Services we provide 

Pre-employment health screening

  • Paper Screen - All new employees will be paper screened to ensure they are medically fit for their role
  • Health Problems - To ensure that ongoing physical and mental health is well managed and that the employee will be supported in their new role
  • Immunisations - To ensure that all relevant vaccinations and blood results are up to date on commencement of employment

 

Staff Health and Wellbeing support

  • All PAHT employees have the right to access Staff Health and Wellbeing to discuss work related health issues. A Staff Health and Wellbeing nurse will provide the initial consultation.

 

Return to work 

  • In some circumstances on returning to work following illness or injury, there may be a need to reassess the employee's medical fitness prior to return
  • Management can be advised following referral to the Staff Health and Wellbeing department of any adjustments to the employee's work or working day

 

Health surveillance 

  • Providing regular spirometry and health-checks for groups of staff who are unavoidably exposed to specific work-related hazards, under COSHH regulations
  • Occupational illness and infection advice
  • The department will advise on:
    • The management of illnesses with a known or suspected occupational origin
    • Occupationally acquired infectious diseases that may have an impact on occupation
    • In cases where employees remain unfit to work an assessment of eligibility for redeployment or ill health retirement will be carried out.
     

Occupational immunisation programme

  • Immunisation programmes are provided to protect against potential workplace hazards, e.g. Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Rubella, Varicella and MMR.

 

Counselling and advice

  • All the Staff Health and Wellbeing nurses are available to provide advice and support on a wide range of health-related issues either by phone or coming into the department. Employees requiring greater expertise can be referred to a qualified counsellor or an occupational health doctor.
  • The team also has four mental health first aiders who can provide immediate support and signposting to services. 
     

Mental Health 

Mental health is as important as your physical health. We aim to support you with both through our Staff health and Wellbeing (SHaW) service. Most people know about the pre-employment check, care after needle stick injuries and flu vaccination services we off but did you know what else we can do?

 

  1. We have 13 fully trained mental health First Aiders (MHFA) on site
  2. We have an extremely comprehensive employee assistance programme (EAP)
  3. We work closely with Healthy minds, which are based in Harlow to support the local community
  4. We have reduced gym memberships in the local areas to all our hospitals to allow you to exercise to improve your mental health
  5. Need some relaxation? We have our beautician and reflexologist on site to offer you reduced rate treatments
  6. We have a list of national support resources listed to help in times of need 
  7. Chaplin’s running Breathing space
  8. Single point of access ex 7015 9-5pm Mon-Fri, out of hours please contact health assured/ go to the Emergency Department

 

Mental Health First aiders (MHFA)

We are very proud to have trained 28 mental health first aiders across the trust. 

Mental Health First Aiders are able to identify, understand and help a staff member who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

MHFA are not therapists, but we are able to listen, reassure and respond.

We are trained to recognise warning signs in a mental health crisis and have the skills and confidence to approach and support someone.

We will be able to direct you to where you can access resources.

Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

The EAP supplies a very comprehensive list of services for all PAHT staff, with some services available for family members also.

What is the EAP?

The Health e-hub app and online portal: A comprehensive library to help you get through life’s challenges

24-hour helpline: You can share a problem with someone who listens with care before getting structured, actionable advice

Telephone counselling: You can work through your problems with a therapist accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

Face-to-face counselling sessions: Staff can speak with a local, qualified professional in a private and confidential setting

 

Health assured can help with so many aspects of our day-to-day life which may impact our mental health, including:

  • Family Issues
  • Alcohol or drug issues
  • Gambling issues
  • Consumer issues
  • Financial Information
  • Relationship Advice
  • Childcare Support
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Tax Information
  • Legal Information 
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Bereavement
  • Retirement
  • And more…

Healthy Minds (West Essex IAPT)

Who are we?

Healthy Minds provides access to a wide range of talking therapy treatments for adults with common mental health problems. Healthy Minds is part of Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Mind in West Essex. Healthy Minds is part of the national initiative Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT).

 

How can we help?

At Healthy Minds we provide therapies and practical support for people experiencing mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and long term conditions (physical health problems). 

We aim to help you to:

  • Understand why you feel this way
  • Explore with you, how the way you behave effects how you are feeling
  • Agree what you want to improve and develop new ways of thinking and coping

Our help is offered in different ways:

  • Telephone support and guided self-help
  • Individual cognitive behavioural therapy
  • Workshops and/or group work
  • Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy

 

Breathing Space

Our wonderful chaplaincy team has introduced a weekly 'breathing space' in the chapel, as a place of solace, spiritual support or reflection.

The breathing space takes place weekly in in the hospital chapel

Inpatient comment:

Everyone offered words of such reassurance and kindness. I felt so cared for and the communication with me at all times was fantastic.