Healthy Working Lives Re-launch at Raigmore

Healthy Working Lives is being re-launched at Raigmore with a whole host of activities being arranged for staff including access to information to support them in making healthy lifestyle choices.

NHS Highland places the wellbeing of staff high in its list of priorities and Healthy Working Lives helps employers understand, protect and improve the health of its employees with the aim of having a healthier workforce, decreased sickness absence, safer and healthier workplaces and improved productivity among staff.

There is also a Healthy Working Lives award programme which has three levels - bronze, silver and gold. Raigmore Hospital is working towards bronze at the moment but aims to have gold in 2024.

Mr Chris Lyons, General Manager at Raigmore Hospital said: “We will be re-launching Healthy Working Lives at Raigmore and really pushing to achieve the bronze award.

“Events on the day will include an MOT for staff where they can get their blood pressure and weight checked; information on our Sports and Social Club; how to cope with stress and we will also have stands focussing on smoking cessation and alcohol.”

Mr Lyons went on to explain that as part of the re-launch staff are being encouraged to get active and the hospital recently had a team in the Great River Ness Raft Race, which came a very respectable 9th overall and entrants were also being encouraged to take part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon in October.

Mr Lyons said: “We’ve already seen some enthusiasm from staff. Our ‘Raigmore Rafters’ did a fantastic job on the day and we hope to see a group of ‘Raigmore Runners’ taking part in the 10k.

“The hospital’s Blue Dolphin Restaurant is also taking part in the event and will be offering a healthy meal deal on the day for staff, I am hopeful that many will take up the offer and hope that this is just the start of a Healthy Working Lives for Raigmore.”