Press Release
23rd December 2011
Performance Master Classes challenge NHS workforce to practise what they preach
As the NHS wrestles with the demands of increasing productivity whilst dealing with considerable transition, a number of healthcare leaders have decided to take a positive and brave step to ensure that the challenge is being met by a workforce that is healthy, resilient and engaged.
With a high rate of absenteeism amongst its staff, the NHS is having to think seriously about the health and wellbeing of its own staff to reduce sickness and ensure that it will deliver the performance and productivity challenges that lie ahead.
Delivering exemplary health care lies at the heart of the NHS ethos but as an organisation it also has to recognise that people lie at the heart of sustained success.
Staff across the UK have been undertaking a series of Performance Master Classes utilising state of the art digital performance technology, led by leading performance and technology specialists, Optima-life.
Managing Director Simon Shepard explains:
'The programmes are delivered in two strands. The first stage explores the many factors affecting performance, takes attendees on a personal look at their strengths and weaknesses and gives them an insight into the science, physiology and psychology behind sustained performance.
'Stage 2 gives attendees the opportunity to wear the world renowned Firstbeat Bodyguard. This sophisticated technology which is smaller than a matchbox is used by international sports players across the world to help deliver performance and resilience.
'The approach is highly interactive and provides participants with a personalised evaluation of many factors that will positively impact life, both at and away from work.
'So far the programmes have reinforced to staff the clear link between health, wellbeing and performance and for many have been a catalyst in the adoption of positive health behaviours. They have also acted as a form of personalised education making them even more proficient in delivering these highly important messages to their own patients.
Rachel Hunt, Business Manager, Workplace Health and Wellbeing, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital who has taken part in a Performance Master Class said:
'I am now running between 8-10 miles a week and have managed to maintain this since July. I really did need a kick start and the report really put my lack of activity firmly at my feet!! So it works!'
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Notes to the editor
About Optima Life
Optima-life is an award winning organisation with a reputation as one of the UK's most innovative companies in the field of wellbeing and performance. With clients ranging from international sports teams, to blue chip companies and health organisations, Optima-life's approach is a blend of science, technology and knowledge, designed to inspire and motivate. www.optima-life.com
Performance Master Classes
The Performance Master Class is an interactive half day session that looks at many factors that can affect performance in the workplace. Each delegate leaves with a personalised performance diagnostic that will highlight their strengths and potential areas to develop. The workshop is founded on scientific facts and brings the topic to life.
"The performance workshops run by Optima-life engaged staff and gave clear and simple messages about the benefits of positive health and wellbeing and how closely this is linked to individual and organisational performance. Delegates left the course inspired and encouraged to make positive differences to their wellbeing choices."
Sara Dunling, NHS East of England
The Performance Master Class Plus introduces the latest in digital performance technology. Utilising the principles of elite sports performance, attendees are fitted with a Firstbeat Bodyguard monitor worn over a 3 day period. Measurements are taken in real life, not a lab setting, allowing for a fuller understanding of how people react and cope with the demands of everyday life. Each assessment provides in depth information about an individuals daily stress and recovery, quality of sleep, energy expenditure and the health and fitness effects of physical activity. The reports produced are comprehensive, clear and highly motivational. This technology is being used by many organisations who want to help their staff really get to grips with understanding how to stay resilient and engaged.
"It really did make us all sit up and take notice and absolutely had a positive effect on all of us. I think we are a much more productive team because of it"
Rebecca D'Arcy, Orange
Firstbeat Bodyguard
Firstbeat Bodyguard is a heart rate recording device, smaller than a match box and with the capacity to record continuous data for up to 5 days,
This new styled measuring device is a major advance in heart rate technology. It provides professionals working in sport and health with a highly accurate measuring tool that is user friendly for patient and practitioner alike.
NHS-related statistics
Statistics from Boorman Review of NHS Health + Wellbeing Interim Report 2009
- 'Health and wellbeing variables are significantly related to staff absenteeism rates, with work-related injury and job satisfaction particularly important. The difference in absenteeism rates between an average and a good trust with regard to health and wellbeing is approximately 0.4 per cent, which equates to an estimated cost of £350,590 for an average-sized trust. Across the whole of the NHS this is equivalent to around £137 million per year.'
- Over 45,000 NHS staff call in sick each day
- The NHS loses 10.3million working days a year through sickness which equates to £1.7billion per year.
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