West Midlands Police enjoy healthy success

West Midlands Police has been 'highly commended' in the Health & Wellbeing category of the national Employers
Forum on Age (EFA) Awards, for its
work to support the changing needs of
an ageing workforce.

The force aims to provide a working environment that supports the wellbeing of all staff, with particular emphasis on the health and fitness of female staff and police officers, whose careers can span 30 years.

Health promotion measures available to all
staff include medical check ups, cholesterol testing, dietary and fitness advice, and support to stop smoking and flu vaccinations.

To help people back to work following injury, the force introduced a range of in-house medical specialists including a physiotherapist, psychiatrist and A&E trauma consultant, ensuring speedier and more appropriate treatment. For example, staff can wait six to eight weeks for physiotherapy through the NHS but as little as 72 hours when referred
for in-house treatment.

In addition WMP addressed particular female health and wellbeing needs through
healthy ageing initiatives.The force has more than 5,000 female staff, with more than half aged over 40, so the impact of the menopause on their health and wellbeing is a particular issue. WMP set up a working group to look at what support can be put in place through different working practices or
shift patterns.

In the event of traumatic events such as the death of a colleague in the line of duty, staff have access to counsellors to help them through the initial shock.They can also seek help from an in-house psychotherapist and mental health nurse.

As a result of these initiatives, the force's attendance levels are the highest since it was established in 1975 with 97 per cent for police offices/police staff - the highest for any police force in the country. More that half of all staff achieved the force's Always There
Award in 2008, which means they had not
missed a day's work through the year.

David Williams, Director of Personnel, said: "To remain successful, the force needs a fit, healthy and engaged police and police staff workforce. With this in mind, we have significantly expanded our occupational health facilities, taking into account the needs of both an ageing workforce and the increasing number of female employees.

"Our healthy ageing project was designed
to encourage staff to pursue healthier
lifestyles while helping those who are absent through illness to return to work more quickly."