NHS tonic for work absence, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 17 Jan 2005 - 16:00 PDT

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People in Ashfield and Mansfield District (UK) are being offered health advice to cure common ailments that often lead to absence from work.

The move by Ashfield and Mansfield District Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) follow the results of a new survey showing that employers who give health information to their workers may see a decrease in sickness absence.

The PCTs have now teamed-up with Developing Patient Partnerships (DPP) to launch the "Better Health at Home and at Work" campaign this week, encouraging people to look after their health by providing information on how to manage many common health problems plus well-being advice.

The DPP commissioned a survey of 1,116 adults in full or part time employment in December, which found that one in 10 people saying they would stay at home from work if they had a cold.

The survey also found that almost two thirds of people agreed that if they had more advice about managing common ailments they would be less likely to take time off work.

Thousands of free booklets offering advice to the public on keeping and getting well have been distributed to all GP practices, health centres, libraries, and pharmacies in both districts as part of the campaign.

The PCTs are also taking part in a mini road-show offering health tips to NHS staff at Ashfield Community Hospital and Mansfield Community Hospital, their own headquarters at Ransom Hall in Mansfield, and at John Eastwood Hospice in Sutton in Ashfield.

Dr Dean Temple, Medical Director for the PCTs, said: "Information contained in the free booklets will allow people to have the confidence to manage their problems or seek advice from the appropriate service, and hopefully that will have a positive impact on sickness absence from work.

"As well as actively promoting this campaign to the public, the PCT is targeting its own staff, which will include advice on keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet and giving out the information booklets," he said.

Advice will also include healthy eating, where to obtain further advice, stopping smoking, combating stress, back pain and how to treat common ailments such as a coughs and colds.

Austen Dilks, Community Pharmacist, said: "There are some medicines worth keeping at home or at work to help relieve many common health problems and you can ask you local pharmacist for information on buying and using the right medicines at home or at work."

A basic first-aid kit should include the following:

-- Plasters

-- Antiseptic liquid or cream

-- Gloves

-- Paracetamol (pain relief)

-- Cotton wool

-- Elastic bandages and dressings

-- Tweezers

-- Scissors

-- Disposable gloves

ƒnƒnƒnƒnƒnƒnƒn-- Thermometer

Marc Bryant
Press Officer
Ashfield & Mansfield District Primary Care Trusts
Ransom Hall
Ransom Wood Business Park
Southwell Road West
Rainworth
Notts
NG21 0ER
Tel: 414114 ext: 4674
Mobile: 07796 616 103
e-mail: marc.bryant@ashfield-pct.nhs.uk

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