What they did
NIHE introduced a pioneering system called Fitech Health
Programming. Fitech is a sophisticated software programme providing a stress
counselling questionnaire, cholesterol test, blood sugar test, body fat
measurement, blood pressure, flexibility, BMI, lifestyle appraisal, resting
heart rate, aerobic capacity, lung function and a cardiac risk analysis. All of
this is topped off with detailed explanation and guidance from an Occupational
Nurse which means employees basically have a private medical analysis carried
out at work.
Another major element in NIHE’s Health
and Well-being strategy that has been introduced and made a dramatic impact on
staff has been the Action Cancer Big Bus. Some of the services offered as part
of this scheme include
- Health promotion, education, early detection
- Breast screening for age groups outside Health Trust
parameters
- Counselling
- Aromatherapy
- Advice for men on early detection, health, testicular,
prostrate, and bowel cancer
This organisation continually monitors staff satisfaction
levels and surveys employees to find out what measures they would like to see
introduced. One result of this has been the introduction of a personal trainer
into the organisation who consults with staff interested in making lifestyle
changes. Often programmes are developed to address specific needs such as
weight loss, smoking cessation, healthy eating.
Smoking cessation clinics have been another method introduced
to improve the health and well-being of employees and it has proved to be
another outstanding success.
