Efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of staff at the Royal Free London were recognised at a City Hall awards ceremony last Monday. 

The London Healthy Workplace Charter supports investment in staff health and wellbeing and is backed by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

 The trust has received an achievement award from the charter for its work in providing a healthy workplace and is one of over 150 organisations that have met the required standards.

Head of workforce health, diversity and equality, Yemisi Oluyede, received the award from Dr Tom Coffey, OBE – Mayoral health advisor, GP and joint clinical lead for emergency care NHS England, on behalf of the trust. 

She said: “I felt energised, excited and at the same time humbled to receive the award on behalf of the Royal Free London for winning the “achievement” category in recognition of the Trust’s investment in staff health and wellbeing. 

“The award is for everyone in the Trust, all staff, managers, volunteers, our executive leads and Royal Free Charity, all contributing to making the workplace a better place.”

The public health and workforce teams at RFL are responsible for improving the health and wellbeing of staff and have launched a number of initiatives over the last year, including health and wellbeing days, a ‘green gym’  and healthy café at Chase Farm Hospital and walking groups at the trust’s three main hospital sites.

An app to help staff count their steps and keep on top of their health was also introduced and free confidential support and advice is available to staff on a number of work, home and health related issues.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Congratulations to all of the organisations and businesses who’ve been recognised through the Healthy Workplace Charter. Without a high-performing and healthy workforce, London would not be the fast-paced and successful city it is. 

“It is great to see so many businesses and organisations showing true commitment to the health and wellbeing of their employees. Their dedication to their workforce is an example of how local businesses can prosper, attract the best talent and reap the rewards of investing in their staff.” 

More than 65 businesses and organisations from across the capital including Chelsea Football Club, the London Fire Bridge and London South Bank University, were awarded for their commitment and investment in employee welfare.

Pictured: Barry Francis, Greater London Authority chair, London healthy workplace awards advisory group with Yemisi Oluyede head of workforce health, diversity and equality, RFH.