North East staff wellbeing hub named regional champion in NHS Excellence Awards
A pioneering North East mental health support service for health and care staff has been named a regional champion in the NHS Excellence Awards.
The North East and North Cumbria Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub was honoured in the 'Valuing Our People' category in the awards’ inaugural year, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to workforce wellbeing.
The national awards, run by and for the NHS, celebrate innovation, leadership and improvements in care across England, shining a spotlight on local teams making a real difference to patients, communities and staff.
The hub is funded by North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and delivered by Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust It also provides support to those working in the voluntary and community sector across the North East and North Cumbria.
Dr Richard Duggins, clinical lead, Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, said "We are delighted to have been recognised as a regional champion in the first NHS Excellence Awards for our hub’s success which is laying the foundations for a long-term, integrated approach to staff wellbeing, with potential to be replicated in other sectors.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams in supporting the people who care for others every day.
Over the past year, the mental health and wellbeing support hub has helped more than 1,750 staff remain in or return to work, while also improving wellbeing and reducing levels of anxiety and depression.
With a self-referral system, a range of therapy options, the hub has become a model of best practice. Alongside mental health care, it also offers support to cut down harmful alcohol use and stop smoking.
"By providing fast, accessible mental health support, the hub is not only improving individual wellbeing but helping to keep skilled staff in the workforce, which is vital for patient safety and the future of our NHS", added Dr Duggins.
"We are proud to see this approach gaining national recognition and hope it will inspire similar models elsewhere.”
The staff health mental health and wellbeing hub also plays a key role in the ICBs WorkWell programme, helping people with health conditions stay in employment. This regional initiative provides targeted support for those affected by musculoskeletal issues, gynaecological conditions and obesity-related health challenges, all of which impact people’s ability to work and live well.
Regional champions from across England will form the shortlist for national honours, with winners set to be announced at a ceremony during NHS ConfedExpo in Manchester in June.