Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has today received notification that it has been recognised for its efforts in the area of staff health and wellbeing with the Better Health at Work Gold Award.
Designed to help organisations demonstrate great work, identify areas for improvement and provide a structured route for further progression, the Better Health at Work Award recognises efforts of employers across the North East and Cumbria in addressing health issues within the workplace.
The achievement follows Silver and Bronze awards earned in 2022 and 2021 respectively, demonstrating the organisation’s continued commitment to building and developing its offer and support for staff.
Amanda Venner, Excutive Director of People and Organisational Development at Gateshead Health, said: “The Better Health at Work Award is a vital part of ensuring that the support we offer our staff is well-rounded, effective and measurable. The award provides us with reassurance that our focus is in the right areas, while also acting as a prompt to introduce or enhance support to meet needs we might not have otherwise considered.
“Much of the work that has been done to earn this accreditation came in response to the Health Needs Analysis we now regularly conduct with our colleagues as part of the award criteria, as well as through feedback gained through other means such as our annual Staff Survey. We are working hard to listen to what our people tell us and take action on the issues that really matter, so we can make Gateshead a great place to work and receive care.
“The award also recognises our role as an organisation in playing a positive role regarding wellbeing in the wider community. For those reasons, we’re delighted to have our efforts recognised through the Gold Award, and are excited to continue our Better Health at Work Award journey.”
Health and Wellbeing Manager, Dale Jones expanded: “Our work is always done with our staff in mind, and the awards make sure we’re accountable to them too – putting their thoughts, wishes and needs at the forefront of work. In the last year alone we’ve been able to launch staff health checks, welcome an on-site fruit and veg stall, provide new guidance for line managers, offer free sanitary products, introduce a staff wellbeing dog, trial and roll out on-site pilates and back classes, create our guide to financial wellbeing and much more.
“All of this feeds into our Better Health At Work Award work, and much of it is driven by staff feedback like that given in response to the Health Needs Analysis and our annual Staff Survey, or in response to criteria set out for the awards.
“We’re really pleased to achieve the Gold Award and couldn’t have done so without all who have played a part in helping us continue our progression. Particular thanks go to our colleagues in Occupational Health and Wellbeing and Organisational Development; our fantastic network of Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors; our ever-growing list of partners and all of the colleagues and services who regularly support us. I’d also like to thank our assessor Louise over at Gateshead Council, who has been a great help throughout.”
Focus now switches to achieving the ‘Continuing Excellence’ award, which is all about the importance of sustaining progress – as well as using our experience of developing our support offer to help others throughout the region in their Better Health at Work Award journey.
