Caring for health workers' own wellbeing

Published on Wednesday 17 June 2009 22:07

PROJECTS to help NHS staff with drug and alcohol addictions are among those receiving part of £1.5 million in funding from the Scottish Government.

In another scheme, NHS Orkney has been given 5,000 for staff to try complementary therapies and yoga to help to reduce stress.

And 4,000 has been awarded to the National Waiting Times Centre for a "Ready Steady Cook/20-minute food challenge" to show staff how they can cook healthy food quickly.

Public health minister Shona Robison also revealed more than 300,000 is set to be invested in projects that address violence and aggression against staff.

During her speech at an NHS Scotland event in Glasgow, Ms Robison said she was "hugely encouraged" by the work taking place to improve the health of people in Scotland. She said: "A healthier Scotland is a better Scotland, and NHS staff are working on the frontline in order to deliver this.

"I am also delighted to be announcing the successful projects set to receive funding from the Working Well Challenge Fund.

"These will help to ensure that staff can continue to work towards our shared goal of improving the nation's health in a safe working environment."

Margaret Watt, chairwoman of the Scotland Patients Association, welcomed efforts to improve conditions for NHS staff.