The Workplace Health and Wellbeing team (formally known as The Centre for Occupational Health), employed by Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, are the first in Norfolk to achieve full accreditation from the Facility of Occupational Medicine (FOM) for the quality of their service.

The team provide occupational health guidance to over 100 public and private sector organisations ranging from small companies to large industrial and manufacturing businesses. They also provide a full occupational health service for the 5,000-plus staff employed in our hospitals.

The FOM accreditation programme was officially launched on 1st December 2010 and the scheme will ensure, through regular monitoring that required standards are maintained. The rigorous assessment was against a set of seven core quality standards including client relationships, business probity, information governance, facilities and equipment, training and professional development and internal procedures.

“We are delighted that our assessment went well and our clients can be assured that we offer an extremely high-quality service,” says Hilary Winch, Senior Occupational Health Nurse Adviser. “It is widely recognised that a healthy workforce is a productive one so prevention and health promotion are increasingly important issues – the change in our name to Workforce Health and Wellbeing is a reflection of this trend.

“For our hospital staff we offer fast-track physiotherapy referrals for back pain and counselling for mental health issues. We also encourage staff to take advantage of free health checks and take part in activities that improve their wellbeing such as zumba workshops, running clubs, slimming groups and even a hospital choir.”

For more information about the service go to www.workplacehealthandwellbeing.co.uk

Notes for editors