At UCLH, our staff's wellbeing is important to us. Rated the number one recommended Trust to work at in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 staff survey, we continue to work towards the NHS people promise and offer of a wide range of staff support and welfare services. Additionally, our thriving network of over 300 wellbeing champions support local wellbeing and contribute towards a growing wellbeing culture. 

Our staff offer also includes benefits and discounts as well as professional development opportunities such as training, coaching and mentoring. Our annual awards celebrate our staff achievements and commitment. The annual NHS staff survey enables staff voices to be heard and helps us shape future developments. 

To further support staff we have a wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives including the Be Well programme and the services of the staff psychology and welfare (SPWS) team, and the occupational health team.  We also have a staff spa which is kindly funded by UCLH Charity, and an arts and culture team who offer staff wellbeing initiatives, as well as a physical wellbeing programme run by our physical wellbeing lead at UCLH.  

Occupational Health
We have an occupational health and wellbeing service with a team of experts available to give advice and support where needed. Occupational health-trained doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and administrators work with staff, managers, and human resources to help maintain and improve the health of our staff at work. 

The range of services available includes: 

  • Pre-employment health screening 

  • Assessment of fitness to work after an illness or injury 

  • Rehabilitation following illness or injury 

  • Occupational immunisation programme 

  • Advice on work-related health problems 

  • Management of occupational exposures to blood and body fluids 

  • Staff physiotherapy service 

The occupational health team works closely with the health and safety, moving and handling and staff psychology teams to support maintaining the health of our staff at work. 

Staff Psychological and Welfare 
Staff have open access to the staff psychological and welfare service (SPWS), a team of psychologists and counsellors. This confidential service is here to support staff with their mental wellbeing, emotional and practical needs in order to keep psychologically healthy at work and be supported to provide top quality patient care.  An overview of what the service provides is set out below.  

Psychological therapies 
We offer one-to-one therapy, counselling and support sessions using a range of psychological models to ensure the support is right for you. You can self-refer at any time. 

Schwartz Centre Rounds 
Schwartz Rounds are open to everyone and provide a forum for staff to discuss difficult emotional and social issues arising from patient care. Run by trained facilitators, they are completely confidential. They are not about problem solving, but acknowledging the importance of talking about the impact our work has on us.