It’s often said that a healthy workforce is a happy workforce – and occupational health can play a huge part in making that happen.
The NHS Workforce Alliance Occupational Health, Employee Assistance Programmes, and Eye Care Framework has been designed specifically for the NHS, helping organisations access flexible, high-quality services that support both the physical and mental wellbeing of their workforce.
Our framework lead, James Tomlinson, explores exactly what the framework offers, and its many benefits, in more detail.
“As a national health service, we have a responsibility to keep the population healthy — but we can’t do that unless we look after our workforce first.
“A well‑resourced and flexible Occupational Health service is key. Our Provider Selection Regime (PSR) compliant framework offers organisations access to a wide range of services, helping to create workplaces where people feel safe, supported and able to thrive.
Supporting NHS staff to stay in work
“Our suppliers can support colleagues to remain in work with services including vision and hearing testing, physiotherapy, and mental health and wellbeing support, supporting management of the everyday challenges that occur both in and outside of the work environment.
Enabling a faster return to work
“They can also support colleagues returning after long absences, whether related to COVID‑19, stress, anxiety, fatigue, or a range of physical and mental health conditions that are sadly common across all kinds of workforce.
Providing tailored neurodiversity support to NHS staff
“Neurodiversity is covered, too – particularly important given the increasing awareness of autism, ADHD and learning differences. Suppliers on our framework can provide diagnostic services and tailored workplace adjustments, helping neurodivergent colleagues feel more comfortable and included at work.
Delivering tests, immunisations and assessments for NHS staff
“The framework is flexible and designed with PSR in mind. Organisations can access individual services from our suppliers, ranging from medical tests and immunisations to hearing tests and workplace needs assessments. Or, they can access a Fully Managed Service offering a potential cost saving by utilising the services of a third party for their occupational health provision.
A flexible, tailored approach for your NHS teams
“What this means is that organisations can tailor their approach and provide the right support, at the right time, for every member of staff, utilising a framework that is built by the NHS and designed for the NHS, and is fully compliant with the Provider Selection Regime; with an expert team at the NHS Workforce Alliance that are on hand to support and guide you through the procurement process.”
For support on any of the benefits mentioned in this article, please use the contact form on our website and an Alliance specialist will be in touch.