The ophthalmology outpatient team at Falkirk Community Hospital is celebrating a total weight loss of an amazing 5 stone 8 1/2 pounds after taking part in the Choose to Lose at Work 10-week programme. Mentored by Staff Nurse Julie Catlin, the team all feel so much happier and healthier and have decided to keep their group they named ‘Eye-Normous to Eye-Candy’ going. They have invested in a set of scales and hope to keep encouraging more staff to get on board in the New Year to fight any weight gained over the festive season.
Public Health Dietitian Pamela Murray says Braveheart at Falkirk Community Hospital have also been facilitating a Choose to Lose at Work pilot programme with two groups of NHS staff and overall results have been very promising. The two groups of 24 staff managed to lose 6 stone 1 pound over the 10 weeks. Staff were weighed weekly and offered support and resources to help them self monitor their weight, set goals and record their dietary intake and physical activity levels. Texts were sent weekly to each member to help motivate them and keep them focussed and on track. The group sessions offered members support and the opportunity to share ideas, tips and recipes.
Pamela says it would be great if more departments started to run their own weigh-ins for their staff, it not only supports staff to lose weight but it is also a great team building exercise for staff. All that’s needed is access to our online ChooseToLose@Work programme, a set of scales and a couple of staff keen and enthusiastic to take forward the group.
For more information email Pamela.murray1@nhs.net or check the Choose to Lose at Work page on the NHS Forth Valley website (under the health promotion section).
