Hospital Shortlisted in Northamptonshire Sports Awards

NGH's health & wellbeing steering group: AnneMarie Dunkley, Sarah Ash, Sally-Anne Watts, Charles Abolins, Fiona Potter and Janine Brennan

Northampton General Hospital has been shortlisted in the Active Workplace category of the Northamptonshire Sports Award for its activity programmes to improve staff health and wellbeing.

The hospital’s health and wellbeing steering group has developed numerous activity initiatives to support employee health and wellbeing which are available to its 4,800 employees, including: 

• nutrition and fitness programmes in partnership with a local leisure provider
• participation in local and national fitness challenges 
• weekly dance classes
• health walks
• charity golf days 
• creation of on-site fitness facilities.

Northampton General Hospital Chief Executive Dr Sonia Swart said “Our aim is not solely to be a hospital that responds to our patients’ needs, but to be a health-promoting organisation making an active contribution to improving the wider health and wellbeing of our staff, our patients and those with whom we come into contact. 

“As Northampton’s largest employer, we’re uniquely positioned to have a wide-reaching impact that extends beyond our hospital site and well into the communities we serve. Since the creation of our health and wellbeing steering group, we’ve achieved a great deal in a short space of time and we’re delighted that this has been recognised by the awards organisers.” 

Anne-Marie Dunkley, PA and steering group member said “Our programme is unique in that it is designed by staff for staff. This means that the various programmes on offer reflect the needs of our workforce. It’s important that we are able to reach all staff groups to let them know what is available to them and with so many of our staff working shifts and at weekends, it was a key element of our wellbeing strategy that we offered flexible support programmes and activities that fit round our employees’ life.

“Being shortlisted for this award is fantastic and is a great achievement for all staff.  It has created a real buzz throughout the hospital.”

There are 21 categories and the winners will be announced at an awards event on 10th November at Sywell Aerodrome.