By Gurdip Thandi

Copyright expressandstar

Data presented to the University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) NHS Foundation Trust Board of Directors showed an overall annual sickness rate in August of 5.6 per cent against their own target of four per cent.

The board heard there were common issues in the trust, which incorporates Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull hospitals, regarding sickness that needed to be addressed.

A report to members also said a review of sickness absence management has been undertaken with changes to support a reduction in the figures.

Jacynth Ivey, Non–Executive Director and Chair of the People and Culture Committee said: “The figures remain high and that’s an area we do have to keep in mind the impact of that, particularly with winter months coming and also, looking at our vaccination rates in relation to our staff.”

The report to the Board said: “Colleagues, led by the Head of Group Corporate Services, have undertaken an extensive review of the current Sickness Absence and Attendance Management Procedure.

“The review of this procedure has been brought forward ahead of it’s due date in recognition of the significance of the challenges that the Trust faces with addressing sickness absence, and improvements that can be made to enable better management of sickness absence.

“The procedure has had a complete overhaul, with key changes to both streamlining and simplifying the process.

“To accompany the procedure, a Managers Toolkit and Employee Guidance document has been created which provides practical guidance and addresses frequently asked questions.

“It is expected that the revised procedure will not only help support the management of sickness absence within the trust and as a result support the reduction in sickness in line with the workforce plan, but also ensure a better experience for those going through a formal process.”