THE Golden Jubilee Foundation has won the Healthy Working Lives gold award for the eighth year in a row.

The award recognises organisations that prioritise workforce health by helping staff lead healthier lives, reduce work-related ill health and absence rates and contribute to the health of the community.

Having first achieved the Gold award in 2011, it is maintained by annual self-assessment within the foundation as well as evidence of employee support.

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The foundation’s occupational health department provides a confidential service offering advice to staff on their physical, mental and social wellbeing as well as pre-employment screening, immunisation, health surveillance and self-referral.

Over the past few years employees have been offered a “mini MOT” which includes blood pressure checks and tests to measure cholesterol and glucose, resulting in some employees being referred to their GP for follow-up and early intervention treatment.

Brenda Proud, occupational health nurse, said: “It is fantastic to once again be recognised for all the hard work and effort which goes into ensuring we have a healthy workforce who are fit to care for our patients.

“This requires a huge effort and commitment from across the organisation. We are delighted that so many staff engage with healthy messages and activities, which both they and patients benefit from.”

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An annual health promotion calendar within the foundation raises awareness of key topics from fitness and mental health awareness to cancer and stress awareness through posters and leaflets and group training.

Anne Marie Cavanagh, nurse director, said: “As an NHS employer we have a responsibility to our staff as well as our patients and that means creating and maintaining a healthy working environment, as well as promoting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to our employees.

“Our Occupational Health department provide an extremely valuable service for our staff and I am delighted this has been recognised once again by Healthy Working Lives.”