Q-active project information
Putting the 'health' into the NHS: A Trust leading by example
Q-Active, initially based at the QMC Campus of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust in Nottingham, was one of the first healthcare providers to have a dedicated project devoted to improving the health and wellbeing of staff. As part of the lottery-funded Active England programme, this innovative initiative was developed in direct response to the government's call for healthcare settings to 'set the example' for workplace health.
Q-Active has since expanded across both campuses and now has a dedicated Health & Wellbeing Coordinator working in partnership across the Trust to lead and promote workplace wellness. Our philosophy continues to be that healthy, happy staff provide better patient care.
More than just classes
Q Active has developed a range of services
- Staff gym at QMC
- Fitness classes at QMC and City campuses
- A programme of massage and beauty therapies at QMC and City campuses
- Partnership work with Weight Watchers around support for weight loss
- Partnership work with Sustrans Ucycle Nottingham to promote active travel
- Promotional events to promote health and wellbeing to staff
- Discounts to other health providers
- Support to directorates and teams to provide health activities/information at time out/team days
- Quarterly health checks and lifestyle assessments in partnership with Occupational Health
- Signposting to other health and wellbeing activities
- Leading health campaigns that benefit our staff
- Training sessions for managers on supporting staff with mental health issues
Q-Active Aims and Objectives
Primary aim:
To change the health culture of the organisation and staff of a large NHS Trust Hospital to become a health-promoting organisation where staff lead by example being actively encouraged and empowered to make healthy choices at work.
Secondary aims:
- To produce a cost-saving to NUH from reduced lost days due to sickness absences amongst staff.
- To produce a cost-saving to NUH in terms of productivity
- To significantly reduce the cost to NUH staff in terms of their physical health, psychological wellbeing and job satisfaction.
- To improve the perception of the organisation in the local community.
- To improve the perception of the organisation amongst staff.
Objectives:
The Q-Active project intends to achieve these aims through a series of specific objectives:
- To improve current staff physical activity facilities and provide more opportunities to be physically active at work.
To significantly increase the physical activity levels of NUH staff. - To improve the nutrition facilities for NUH staff.
To significantly improve the nutritional intake of staff whilst at work. - To provide facilities for staff to unwind, socially interact, take breaks and to enhance their psychological wellbeing at work.
To reduce stress in NUH staff - To develop or create Trust health policies.
To affect the health culture of NUH management.
