The Trust recognises that at some stage or other staff may need support of some kind. The Trust has a dedicated HR Team who act as a source of support for employees.
Family Friendly Policies
If you would like more information about any of the following policies please contact the HR Team on 01752 437253.
• Maternity Leave
• Adoption Leave
• Parental Leave
• Paternity Leave
• Leave for Domestic Crisis
• Flexible Working
• Term Time Working
• Annualised Hours
The Trust is also committed to a healthy working environment and there is a Smoking at Work policy and a policy on Drugs and Alcohol.
Department of Pastoral & Spiritual Care
The Chaplaincy is there for both staff and patients and is often approached confidentially by colleagues who are worried, upset, or concerned with some aspect of their working life. An informal, one-off session may be all that is required. Alternatively, it may be that something more is called for, individually or as a staff group.
Staff can use the Chapel at which is situated on Level 7 and is open 24 hours a day.
NHS Direct
This is a 24 hour nurse helpline for immediate reassurance and free expert medical advice
Telephone - 0845 46 47
Further information on NHS Direct can be found at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Occupational Health
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 Counselling Service
A confidential Staff Counselling Service is attached to the Occupational Health Department. This resource is provided by well-qualified counsellors with considerable experience of working with a broad range of personal, interpersonal, work-related and psychological problems (e.g. stress, depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, bullying, anger, life crises, low self-esteem etc). Counselling offers a safe, non-judgmental setting where staff are given encouragement and support to explore, clarify and understand their needs and find more helpful ways of meeting them. Six sessions of brief focused counselling may be offered. The aim is to reduce job stress, psychological distress and sickness absence; to enhance coping and stress resilience; improve psychological health and well-being; and support satisfying, effective and healthy work/life functioning.
Self-referrals: Please contact the confidential telephone line - 01752 437222 or Extension: 37222.
Informal Referrals: Line Managers, HR, etc may request an appointment on behalf of a member of staff (with the person's consent).
Formal Referrals: Usually requested by the line manager using the standard occupational health referral form (with the person's signed consent).
Giving Up Smoking
For assistance or to join a quitters group call the Smoking Advice Service on 01752 314040.