How we are Protecting and Keeping our Staff Well this Winter

Looking after our staff is a priority all year round, and especially during the busy winter and festive period. Not only does it ensure a robust and happy workforce, but it forms part of the Trust’s Being Humber behavioural framework. This emphasises the importance of how we align with our organisational values and support each other in our everyday work.

This winter, the Trust is continuing to take positive steps to protect the health and wellbeing of our workforce, ensuring they can continue to provide safe, high-quality care to patients.

All NHS staff are eligible for a free flu vaccination, helping to protect both our workforce and the patients we care for daily. This year, the Trust has achieved its highest ever uptake, representing a key focus the Trust has on reducing the spread of flu across our services during the winter period.

Staff vaccination clinics have been taking place across the vast geography of the Trust to make it as easy as possible for staff to get theirs. With particular focus on the areas where numbers have been lower in previous years, the clinics were made even more accessible.

The Trust regularly communicates with staff to share good practice on staying healthy, including effective hand hygiene and the importance of remembering to “Catch it, bin it, kill it” when coughing or blowing your nose, particularly in our communal areas. Antibacterial wipes are available in public and shared spaces and can be used to clean desks, keyboards and other equipment between users, helping to reduce the risk of germs spreading when multiple staff use the same workstations.

Staying mentally well is just as important as staying physically healthy. The Trust’s Occupational Health team is always available to support staff with their mental wellbeing, providing advice, guidance and access to further support when needed.

Looking ahead to the New Year, on 12 January the Trust will launch 14 Days to a Humbelievable You, a programme designed to deliver a daily dose of health and wellbeing activities for staff to engage with. The 2026 programme will focus on boosting physical fitness, improving sleep and increasing hydration, all of which have a significant impact on overall health and wellbeing.

Michele Moran, Chief Executive for Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust said, “The wellbeing and safety of our patients and staff is our top priority throughout the year, and this is particularly key during winter. The Trust’s proactive approach to year-round wellbeing is demonstrated by our staff benefits package, workforce wellbeing team and campaigns like 14 Days to a Humbelievable You. For us, Being Humber is about ensuring every member of staff feels valued and care for by the organisation, because we know a happy and healthy workforce delivers the best possible care for our patients.”