This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Highlands honoured in health awards
10/08/2004
Work done by NHS Highland aimed at improving the health
and wellbeing of its staff was acknowledged today.
Three projects run by NHS Highland, plus another by the
Scottish Prison Service were among seven Scotland's Health
at Work (SHAW) Awards today.
Presenting the awards, Deputy Health Minister Tom McCabe
said:
"The most valuable investment an employer can make is in
the health, and therefore the future of its workforce.
"Today is all about acknowledging those companies who
are making that investment. It makes good business sense to
use the workplace as a setting for health promotion.
"We all know that Scotland has poorer health than many
other Western countries. The Executive has acknowledged the
workplace as a medium for promoting healthy messages.
"Looking at CBI statistics showing British industry is
losing #13 billion every year from sickness absence, we can
appreciate the importance of a fit and health
workforce.
"As well as reduced absenteeism, a higher level of
health and wellbeing can also improve morale and confidence
and increase productivity - all of which is good news for
employers.
"As Deputy Minister with particular responsibility for
health improvement, it gives me particular pleasure to be
able recognise the commitment from the employment in the
Highlands to health promotion and staff welfare."
- The projects honoured are as follows:
- NHS Highland - Health promotion at the John Dewar
Building, including reduced rates for leisure
facilities; partial smoking ban introduced and stress
management training underway.
- NHS Highland - Total smoking ban introduced at
Assynt House, plus information on healthy living and
physical activity provided.
- NHS Highland - Stair walking campaign at Raigmore
Hospital; health fair held; partial smoking ban.
- Scottish Prison Service - 'Well Person' clinics
held during working hourse. Restrictions on smoking
also introduced.
- Birchwood Highland - Staff given extended lunch
breaks to encourage them to be more active - activities
and information also made available.
- Manpower PLC - Sexual health seminar, healthy
eating café, smoking cessation classes and sports
day.
- Manpower PLC with BT - Total smoking ban -
information on healthy eating, drugs and alcohol also
available.