Dear Colleague

Once again, our annual conference has re-energised me, leaving me feel inspired and with a real sense of ‘community’. It is difficult to pick out a highlight as I just loved the whole event. Of course, the first ever ‘OHPRAS’ (Recognition Awards) was a great celebration and congratulations to our worthy winners (see item 1).  It was so good to see so many of you and to engage in conversation, and I was excited to hear the ‘buzz’ in the room as we connected once again. I certainly felt it was a valuable 24 hours as we were inspired by our brilliant speakers and had the opportunity to reflect how their various subject areas would impact and enhance our practice locally. The conference title - ‘Celebrate, Share, Inspire’ - seemed to effectively encapsulate the whole event. Thank you to you all for making it such a great event

The Network leadership team will review the conference evaluations to help us plan future events, so thank you to those who took the time to complete the evaluation forms. For those who were unable to join us, the presentations are on the website (see item 2) and well worth reviewing as there are some great elements of knowledge and practice to share.

I am sure many of you are already involved in the annual flu and COVID boosters campaign again this year, and this will be adding significantly to your work demand. Remember the importance of your own self-care as you endeavour to protect others within the workforce. 

Best wishes

Hilary Winch

Chair, NHS Health at Work Network

In this edition:

1. Congratulations to our NHS OHPRAS Winners

2. NHS Network Annual Conference

3. In Focus This Month - Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

4. Menopause Awareness Day - 18th October

5. New ‘Driving and Occupational Health’ Guidance

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6. Suicide Postvention in the Workplace

7. Support to Staff Affected by the Thirlwall Inquiry

8. Network Board Key Messages

9. Network Member Training Discounts

10. Courses and Resources

1. Congratulations to our NHS OHPRAS Winners!

We were delighted to announce the winners of our inaugural Occupational Health Professionals Awards (OHPRAS) at our conference on the 11th. September. These Recognition Awards celebrated the innovative and impactful occupational health and wellbeing initiatives delivered by its members. 

A special congratulations go to our category winners - Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. 

Congratulations are also extended to Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation; London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust; and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, all of whom were Highly Commended for their work.

The NHS Health at Work Recognition Awards, known as the OHPRAS in the sector, highlight the vital role of occupational health in the NHS by recognising outstanding projects and initiatives that align with the national NHS Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing Together strategy drivers. These awards demonstrate how far our OH community has come in realising the vision within our national strategy.

“We are thrilled to announce the winners of our first NHS Health at Work Network Recognition Awards,” said Hilary Winch, Chair of the NHS Health at Work Network. “These awards shine a light on the extraordinary work being done across the NHS to support the health and wellbeing of our workforce. Each of our winners exemplifies the innovation and dedication needed to make a real impact in occupational health, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”

2. NHS Network Annual Conference

Well over 200 delegates attended our biggest, and best, annual conference. Delegates were inspired by the brilliant line-up of speakers, and their slide decks are available here.

3. In Focus This Month - Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust achieves an Inaugural Recognition Award with its invaluable work supporting employees facing financial hardship.

Amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, many staff members at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust faced significant financial hardships, which threatened their ability to continue working. Rising costs led some staff to consider additional shifts, while others faced more severe challenges, including homelessness and the need to flee unsafe living conditions. Recognising the critical impact of financial wellbeing on staff retention, performance, and overall morale, the Trust launched the Staff Financial Wellbeing Project. This initiative was designed to provide comprehensive support to staff experiencing financial difficulties, thereby enabling them to remain in their roles and maintain their focus on delivering quality patient care. You can read more of our case studies here.

4. Menopause Awareness Day - 18th October

Ahead of Menopause Awareness Day on 18 October 2024, we are encouraging colleagues to complete the menopause awareness e-learning modules specifically for NHS staff.

The NHS employs over 1.5 million people and around one million of these people are women*. This is over 75% of the entire workforce. Women between the ages of 45 and 54 make up a fifth of all NHS employees, meaning up to 20% of our workforce could be experiencing menopausal symptoms. (*The NHS recognises and values its diversity.  We are aware people of diverse gender expressions and identities experience menopause, and it is therefore not just an issue for cisgender women.  Also younger women can be impacted by the menopause).

The menopause awareness module covers what the menopause is, common symptoms of the menopause, how it can impact people at work and the ways in which they can help support themselves and each other. It is designed for all colleagues in the workforce and aims to raise awareness of the menopause and to how support colleagues in the workplace – both as an individual or as a line manager.  The module takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

There is also a further e-learning module specifically for occupational health colleagues which gives advice on providing specialist support for staff and takes 30 minutes to complete.

Hilary Winch –  Associate Director -  Workplace Health, Safety & Wellbeing & NHS Health at Work Network Chair says: 

“It is a known fact that the Menopause affects all women and yet the symptoms experienced can vary considerably. Eventually it has been recognised within workplaces that for some individuals this is far more than experiencing a few ‘hot flushes’! With good levels of support and understanding from employers, a workers ability to remain and function in the workplace can be achieved. The key is to upskill managers and workplaces in symptom identification, good management practices and workplace adjustment considerations and to provide Occupational Health Support when necessary. This 20 minute module provides Occupational Health staff and managers with information and resources needed to provide workers and managers with some key advice and guidance to support themselves and their teams as staff journey through this ‘natural cycle of life’.   Within the NHS at present, we need to retrain our skilled staff and as such it is vital that we remove unnecessary exiting from the workforce due to a lack of support. It’s been a privilege to support this education package to help and support staff within the NHS.”

To find out more and to complete the modules, visit The Learning Hub.

5. New ‘Driving and Occupational Health’ Guidance

The Society of Occupational Medicine, in partnership with National Highways, have produced an essential guide for Driving and Occupational Health.

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If you are looking to add occupational health technicians, nurses (imms & vaccs), advisors, managers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and physicians, speak with a member of the Greys team today and we'll go through our flexible solutions and find the right person for your Trust. Contact us on 01908 382501 – www.greyssr.co.uk or to see what others think of us https://www.greyssr.co.uk/Testimonials

Contact Marissa@greyssr.co.uk and confirm you have read the e-bulletin and Greys will send pens and post-it notes to your OH department. 

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6. Suicide Postvention in the Workplace

The term 'suicide postvention' refers to the actions taken by an organisation to provide effective support in a sensitive manner after a death by suicide. It aims to promote recovery and prevent further adverse outcomes. This SOM and Royal College of Psychiatrists resource guide provides evidence-informed guidance and recommendations for organisations following death by suicide, or other unexpected sudden death, of a colleague from other causes.

7. Support to Staff Affected by the Thirlwall Inquiry

The Thirlwall inquiry has been set up to examine events at the Countess of Chester Hospital and their implications following the trial, and subsequent convictions , of former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby. This inquiry of course will be difficult for those staff concerned but may also impact other staff who work in neonatal areas. Whilst the range of local and regional support offerings are available, it may also be helpful to remind staff of the national offerings for mental health support including the Staff Support text service ‘Shout’, the various wellbeing apps and Practitioner Health.

NHS England » Support available for our NHS people

NHS England » Wellbeing apps

Practitioner Health

8. Network Board Key Messages

Your Network Board met in September. The key messages from the meeting are available here.

9. Network Member Training Discounts

The NHS Health at Work Network has teamed up with EOPH to offer some great member discounts on a wide range of courses. To obtain your NHS discount and to request an invoice is raised please email admin@eoph.co.uk from your NHS email account. 

DOccMed & DipOHPrac Preparation course – 25th October 2024 – 7th February 2025 – 09:30 – 16:45 – via Zoom

£2,160 +VAT with 10% discount for all until 2nd October 2024 (available on the booking system https://eoph.co.uk/training/ Full price £2,400 +VAT).

EOPH distance learning preparation course approved by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) for the Diploma in Occupational Medicine and the Diploma in Occupational Health Practice examinations. This interactive course is a 10-day distance learning course that runs over 16 weeks, and includes teaching by EOPH faculty who are experienced Diploma examiners, specialists in occupational medicine, occupational health nursing, physiotherapy and a highly experienced employment lawyer. Post-course material is available after each session to work through ahead of the next sessions, as well as suggestions for self-directed study. MCQ practice is provided throughout, as well as a practical approach to the workplace visit and clinical case elements of the portfolio, alongside practice for the viva. A free introductory webinar for the course will take place on 4th October 2024 at 4pm and is open to all.  Register here

Honing Report Writing – 6 & 14 Nov 2024: 6 November 2024 – 16:00 – 17:30;                         14 November 2024 – 13:00 – 17:00 via Zoom

10% discount off full price £195 +VAT.  

This two-part workshop is best suited for OH nurses and OH allied health professionals who are new to report writing, or those returning to report writing and wishing to refresh their skills. It will enable you to deliver first class reports every time

Part 1 – Disability Provisions of the Equality Act 2020 in the context of report writing

Part 2 – Report Writing Skills

A Concise Guide to Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace for OH Practitioners –  20 November 2024: 09:30 – 16:30 via Zoom

10% discount off full price £295 +VAT. 

To develop skills in identifying mental health conditions, including what are the work factors we need to consider:

• An exploration of common mental health conditions, neurodiversity, suicide risk assessment, trauma and sleep hygiene

• Exploring mental health workability in safety critical roles

• An in depth look at some case studies where we explore mental health consultations and potential workplace adjustments

• What are the current mental health services available within the current landscape

10. News, Courses and Resources

HSE guidance on Entonox use is now live on their website at Using nitrous oxide (gas and air) safely in maternity units - Health Services.

Home working guidance and resources - Employers have the same health and safety responsibilities for people working at home as for any other worker. The HSE’s home working guidance has details on straightforward actions to manage home workers’ health and safety.

This includes making sure your risk assessment covers home workers, which should consider:

• stress and poor mental health

• using equipment like computers and laptops safely

• the working environment

There is also specific advice for home workers, which includes a video and practical tips on good posture.

Student-nurse recruitment as bad as ever - BBC News article

How Many of Us Will End up Being Diagnosed with ADHD? We had a brilliant presentation from Matt Gupwell from Think Neurodiversity at our conference. This BBC Indepth article explores how many of us are likely to end up being diagnosed with ADHD.

The latest National School of Occupational Health newsletter is available at:  https://issuu.com/nsoh-nationalschool/docs/nsoh_newsletter_summer_24

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The NHS Health at Work Network brings together all OH teams providing health and wellbeing services to NHS OH staff.  It is dedicated to providing consistent, high-quality health at work services to all NHS staff through collaborative working.

Members of OH teams in NHS Health at Work Network member organisations can receive the bulletin and access the restricted areas of the website as a membership benefit – if you are not sure of your login details email admin@nhshealthatwork.co.uk   

Please share this bulletin with colleagues and encourage them to register to receive it regularly. Anyone can register to receive the monthly bulletin here.

You can contact the Network through your regional representative or as shown below.  Please get in touch if you have any queries or comments, if there is anything you would like to see in future issues of the bulletin, or if you have news to share.

Hilary Winch, Chair hilary.winch@nnuh.nhs.uk

Andrew Gilbey, General Manager andrew.gilbey@nhshealthatwork.co.uk 

The NHS Health at Work Network does not, directly, or indirectly, endorse any product or service that is, or will, be provided by any of our Supporters. Organisations which become NHS Health at Work Network Supporters will not, in any way, state or imply that the NHS Health at Work Network endorses any such product or service that they provide.

Postal address: NHS Health at Work, PO Box 857, York YO31 6FR