#TeamKCHFT retains platinum status for staff health and wellbeing

A digital wellbeing navigator, staff fitness challenge and a network of nearly 200 health and wellbeing champions, are just some of the initiatives supporting colleagues at Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT).

These initiatives have helped KCHFT retain its platinum standard in the Medway Healthy Workplaces Programme, an award which recognises continued commitment to supporting the wellbeing of colleagues.

Since first achieving platinum status in 2022, KCHFT has expanded and enhanced its health and wellbeing programme, providing colleagues with access to a wider range of resources, support and opportunities to thrive both personally and professionally.

In a report issued by the Medway Workplace Wellbeing Award, KCHFT was commended for continuing to develop its staff health and wellbeing programme, stating: "Health and wellbeing has remained at the top of the trust’s agenda and has merged the workforce equality and diversity teams with health and wellbeing to create a single team focussed on the inclusion of all colleagues, including those with long term conditions, mental health problems and disabilities."

KCHFT has introduced the Wellbeing Navigator, a digital pathway offering easy access to internal and external health and wellbeing resources. It has also expanded its range of financial wellbeing offers, such as offering a heat scheme, which gives colleagues access to expert advice to help reduce energy bills and their impact on the environment.

Mairead McCormick, KCHFT’s Chief Executive, said: “Retaining platinum status is testament to the dedication of our colleagues and the strength of our wellbeing programme. Creating a supportive and inclusive workplace really matters to us. We know there’s always room to grow and we’re committed to learning and improving in our efforts to offer a great place to work.”

Respiratory colleagues Merlyn D'Cruz and Sarah Clarke were members of the winning flo fit team in this year's step challenge.

An annual staff step challenge, called flo fit big 50, invites colleagues to complete as many steps as they can within 50 days, championing movement not just among colleagues but as role models for the communities they serve.

Natasha Cook, Clinical Nurse Specialist Chronic Pain at KCHFT, said: "I have been a flo fit team captain since the challenge began in 2021. It is something our team looks forward to and encourages us to walk, swim, or cycle more to help both our physical and mental wellbeing. Being part of the Chronic Pain Team means we are always encouraging our patients to be more active too, as we know it can be really beneficial for people living with long-term pain.”

KCHFT has also merged its workforce equity, diversity and wellbeing teams to create a unified approach to inclusion. This makes sure all colleagues, including those with long-term conditions, mental health challenges and disabilities, feel supported and valued.

The Medway Workplace Wellbeing Award report also commended KCHFT on its 200 health and wellbeing champions, who share information with staff and provide signposting to a range of support services. KCHFT also has seven staff networks: Armed forces community, neurodiversity, Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME); disability and carers’, LGBTQ+, menopause and a men’s network.

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