NHS hospital group expands annual health and wellbeing festival to support staff

University Hospitals Tees has teamed up with local organisations across its community to champion the health and wellbeing of its workforce.

This week, the hospital group held its annual staff health and wellbeing festival, welcoming a wide range of local charities, support groups and businesses.

The marketplace event was held across the four main hospital sites at University Hospital of North Tees, The James Cook University Hospital, University Hospital of Hartlepool and Friarage Hospital.

The festival also connected staff with internal health support services and networks across University Hospitals Tees. Teams from psychology training, oral health promotion, library services and smoking cessation were on hand to empower staff to better support their own health and wellbeing and that of their patients.

A digital brochure detailing some of the available offers and support, was available for those who were unable to attend the event in person.

Rachael Metcalf, chief people officer, said: “Our annual festival is a dedicated space designed entirely to support our incredible healthcare staff and their families.

“By bringing local organisations and private companies together under one roof, we provide a convenient, one-stop shop for vital financial advice, wellbeing support, and exclusive offers for our staff to ensure they can easily access the care and guidance they deserve.”

What did staff think?

Marie Weedall, health care assistant on the post anaesthetic care unit said: “Alongside my clinical role, I am also the wellbeing link nurse for our department. I attended the festival to gather useful information and resources to share with my colleagues.

“Looking after staff health and well-being is crucial; it helps to boost morale, improves teamwork, and reduces sickness.

I visited several stalls, including smoking cessation, well-being advisors, and the fantastic legacy nurses who support staff both inside and outside of work. It was fantastic to see so many health and wellbeing support teams in one place.”

Steven Yull, people experience lead, said: “It’s been great to see the variety of people attending and the wide range of internal services and external companies attending, with a wide range of ways they can help. The event has been a great opportunity to find out about the support on offer for myself and colleagues.

“It’s also really great to see the festival getting bigger and being held across our other hospital sites.”

What did the organisations say?

One of the companies supporting the festival was Everyone Active.

Jamie Brown, sales manager at Everyone Active in Middlesbrough, said: “We are proud to come together with University Hospitals Tees to promote fitness, health, and wellbeing within our community.

“What started as a commitment to staying active has grown into a supportive network where people of all ages and abilities can improve their physical and mental health, build friendships, and inspire others to lead healthier lifestyles.

We love being invited back to the health and wellbeing festival because we believe fitness brings people together and helps create a stronger, happier community for everyone.”