Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust offers its staff a range of benefits that can be enjoyed both in and out of work. The Trust has an HR Team responsible for advising staff on a whole range of issues including childcare, nurseries, childcare, vouchers, family friendly policies, improving working lives, flexible working pensions and retirement.

Flexible Working
The Trust offers a range of flexible working options to help staff in achieving a good work/life balance and supporting the Trust in meeting the changing demands of a 24 hour/365 day service. All staff have the right to request to work on a flexible basis and managers will consider the request based on the needs of the service.

Flexible Retirement 
The Trust offers a range of flexible working options to help staff in achieving a good work/life balance and supporting the Trust in meeting the changing demands of a 24 hour/365 day service.  All staff have the right to request to work on a flexible basis and managers will consider the request based on the needs of the service.  For a copy of the Trust's guide to flexible retirement click here >

NHS Pension
NHS Pension Scheme Eligibility

The Scheme is open to any NHS worker aged between 16 and 75 who:

• is directly employed by the NHS;
• is medical, dental and ophthalmic practitioners and trainees;
• is general medical practice staff;
• is staff working for certain approved employers;
• is non-General Practice Providers.

Freelance locum medical practitioners may also elect to join.

There are two sections to the Scheme, the 1995 section and the 2008 section. Different eligibility requirements apply for each section of the Scheme, for more information please click this link 

Transferring benefits
The NHS Pension Scheme allows you to apply to transfer previous pension rights into the NHS Pension Scheme if you wish subject to HMRC approval.  For more information please refer to page 10 of the Members Guides at the link above.

Childcare Vouchers
Childcare vouchers can save you on average 30-40% of childcare costs. They can be used for all types of childcare, such as registered childminder, private day nursery, holiday playscheme (before and after school schemes). To find out more click the Support for Childcare link on the main navigation bar to the left of this page.

Occupational Health Service 
The Trust provides a confidential, impartial and supportive Occupational Health (OH) service to all staff throughout their employment in the Trust. The Department is staffed by health care professionals with the appropriate qualifications in a wide variety of fields covering occupational  and mental  health, ergonomics, mediation, smoking cessation & weight management, as well as providing guidance to individuals and the Trust on the management of attendance and the resolution of structural, organisational and relationship problems. The service offers advice and support to staff on both work related and personal issues. Pre Placement Screening Questionnaires are assessed by OH prior to appointment - any issues relating to work are dealt with at that point and any recommendations in respect of reasonable adjustments made to Managers. 

In addition to coordinating the Trust's Mediation service, the OH service also ensures that staff are enrolled in the immunisation and health surveillance programmes relevant to their workplace and role and can offer physiotherapy assessments for those with musculoskeletal problems.  If staff are unlucky enough to have health problems in respect of work, then the OH Department can advise on modified duties and explore options for fast tracking if staff find themselves unable to return to work for want of an operation or consultation.  Staff who think that their health is impacting on work or vice versa, have a professional obligation to get in touch with Occupational Health.

The Occupational Health Department can be contacted on 0845 155 8200 or Extension 37222

Staff Lottery
A monthly staff lottery runs with 55% of the money raised being used for prize money and the remainder made available to staff to bid for to improve their working lives.

Trade Unions
Trade Unions Membership - All staff have the right to join a trade union and the Trust encourages staff to do so. The Trust has a recognised body of staff representatives. A list of the unions making up the staff side is available from the HR Department.

Zero Tolerance
The Trust operates a Zero Tolerance Policy, which can lead to a withdrawal of care for patients who are violent and abusive.

Discounted Travel Pass
The Trust recognises the cost of travel to work incurred by its employees and supports environmental strategies. The Derriford Green Bus Pass gives unlimited travel throughout the city on either Citybus or First Western National Services - both to/from work and at all other times. The pass is heavily subsidised both by the Trust and the bus companies. For further information contact the Facilities Department on 01752 792947.

Cycle & Motorcycle
Protective and secure cycle and motorcycle sheds are provided on-site for use by cyclists and motorcyclists. Interest free loans are also available for staff that would be entitled to a parking permit, but would prefer to use other modes of transport and would also be prepared to forgo their entitlement to a parking permit. For further information please contact the Facilities Department on 01752 792947.

Car and Journey Sharing
All staff who travel to work by car are encouraged to share their journey. Car sharers are provided with access to a car park which is close to the hospital and can park for free. A car share must consist of at least two members of staff who are car permit holders.

Derriford Health & Leisure Centre
The Trust is extremely fortunate in having its own health and leisure centre which provides a wide range of facilities including bar and food service, function spaces for private events and a wide variety of sporting facilities, inclduing its own sports hall, squash court and gym, dance and spin cycling studios. The centre runs lots of sports and social events and represents value for money for both employees and their families. For further information you can call 01752 792840.

Alternatively you can visit the centre website at www.derrifordfitness.co.uk

Other Discounts
~ Microsoft Office (NHS Staff Discount)
~ Red Guava Discounts - www.redguava.co.uk
~ NHS Discounts - www.nhsdiscounts.com

To discuss any of the above please contact the Staff Support Team on 01752 763027.  Further information is available via the links below: