The number of staff being off sick at Birmingham hospitals is 'chronically high'
Sickness rates amongst staff at Birmingham's four main hospitals remains 'chronically high' despite a decrease in the level over the past year. A report to the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust board said 5.75 per cent of the 22,241 workforces were off ill in June this year - a slight reduction from 6.09 per cent in April last year.
Bosses said they were looking at solutions on how to reduce the level of absence and support staff. The trust, which covers Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands, Solihull and Good Hope Hospitals, will meet on Thursday (September 26) to discuss the 'People Report'.
Other data within the paper included a rise in the total workforce between April 2023 and June this year of 1,407 full time equivalent employees. And the current staff turnover rate for June 2024 is reported as 10.19 per cent - a slight increase but 'not one which is worrying trust chiefs'.
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Vacancies have decreased from 8.74 per cent (1,966) in April 2023 to 4.63 per cent (1,082) in June 2024 while the use of bank staff has also been reduced. The report said: "The new strategic objectives for the People element of the trust strategy are now in place with primary, secondary and tertiary measures, and priorities for in-year deliverables agreed.
"Turnover has increased slightly to 10.19 per cent but not concerning, and overall the turnover position has shown positive indicators over 12 months and moving closer to our target of 9 per cent. We benchmark favourably, and are within our planned trajectory for the year.
"There has been a slight decrease in sickness levels, but not remarkably so. It remains chronically high at 5.75 per cent, and just above our planned trajectory of 5.71 per cent for this point in the year.
"A deep dive is being undertaken to be reported at a future People and Culture Committee. We are also participating in a ‘hackathon’ to look at technology-based solutions to help manage absence reduction. There is a piloted approach of using mental health ambassadors and well-being buddies to support attendance and absence management.
"In line with financial recovery constraints, our bank and agency usage are reducing and performing within planned trajectories. Our substantive workforce is 0.26% above planned trajectory – however, we remain within our year-end establishment plan. Vacancy controls are being reviewed and refreshed to ensure the controls are effective and delegated to the right levels."
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