The Comptroller and Auditor General’s report voiced concerns from some that the Occupational Health Service was more focused on “getting staff back to work” than on a more “proactive offer that supports staff health and wellbeing in a more rounded way.”
In her response, Ms Landon explained that more health and safety risk assessments than usual had to be carried out last year due to stress, having to wok from home and vulnerability to covid-19.
The assessments are carried out when workers have a specific need, accompanying a wider programme of support that has been set up for staff wellbeing.
Pictured: More specific need than during standard times was recorded for health staff in 2020.
In terms of general support for staff wellbeing, she said current services include:
- a full-time counsellor and psychological wellbeing practitioner are offering targeted therapy through self-referral for individuals where the need is identified;
- telephone wellbeing checks for staff who test positive for covid-19;
- targeted group sessions for groups of staff that have found responding to the pandemic challenging;
- a weekly drop-in wellbeing session offering group mindfulness and stress management strategies;
- and self-help guide and access to apps offering wellbeing advice.
She also said managers and Health Department supervisors were being trained in having “psychological savvy conversations” and how to signpost support when needed.
A Health Department ‘Wellbeing Committee’ has also been set up with the purpose of co-ordinating the development of a staff wellbeing programme.
Turning to the Occupational Health Service, the response explained that AXA was running the Occupational Health Service up until March of this year, when their three-year contract expired.
However, the latest tendering process for a new provider has attracted “limited” interest. Following scrutiny, the preferred bidder is again AXA, who are now in negotiations for a new contract.
AXA will continue providing services under the existing terms they have been operating under, until the new contract is signed.
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Jersey’s senior Intensive Care doctor, Paul Hughes, recently shared a candid account of life on the frontline of the virus crisis with Express…CLICK HERE to read.