During the early part of 2013 absence levels in NHS Forth Valley peaked at 6.94% against a Government target of 4%. With managers finding it difficult to free up time to attend formal training courses on how to manage and improve sickness absence a new approach was needed.
This poster, which illustrates the route taken, was selected from more than 400 posters to be displayed at the NHS Scotland Event 2014 event in Glasgow and was the worthy winner of the ‘People’s Choice’ award.
Initial feedback from the judges recognised the project as a great example of a co-production approach to developing a range of interventions to support improvement. The project has contributed to an increase in timely referrals to Occupational Health Services and a significant and sustained improvement in absence over the past 12 months. So much so that our April absence levels fell to 4.93% – the first time it has dipped below 5% in this month since 2011.
