Lifestyle Medicine team shortlisted for national staff wellbeing award
A programme helping MTW colleagues improve their health and wellbeing has been shortlisted for a national award. Funded by MTW Hospitals Charity, it offers staff access to health assessments, personalised support and lifestyle coaching designed to promote long term wellbeing.
The Trust's Lifestyle Medicine programme has been named a finalist in the Best Staff Wellbeing Initiative category at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2026, recognising its innovative approach to supporting staff to make sustainable lifestyle changes and improve their overall wellbeing.
Launched in February 2025, the programme was developed by the Occupational Health and Wellbeing team in response to the growing challenge of work-related ill health and the importance of supporting colleagues to stay healthy, both at work and at home.
The initiative is led by Laura Duffell, Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing, and Dr Matthew Hawker, Clinical Lead for Lifestyle Medicine, who have worked alongside nursing colleagues, administrative teams, physiotherapy services and the Point of Care Testing team to develop a tailored service.
Over its first 10 months, a total of 114 staff members attended a health check, and the team have recently started recruiting for the Complete Health Improvement Programme (CHIP), a course designed to support staff with chronic health conditions in improving and potentially reversing their conditions. The service has helped colleagues identify health risks and take positive steps towards improving areas such as weight management, stress reduction and physical fitness.
Early results from the programme have been encouraging. Staff who took part in follow up assessments recorded improvements in a range of health measures, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels and waist circumference. A great example of this was Jen Booker, who, since working with Lifestyle Medicine team, saw her cholesterol drop and her physical mobility improve.
As the programme continues to grow, plans are already underway to train additional facilitators, strengthen partnerships with local organisations and improve access for groups currently under-represented, including colleagues working night shifts.
Laura Duffell, Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing, said: “We're incredibly proud of the engagement we've seen from staff and the positive impact the service is already having across the Trust. The programme is about empowering people to take control of their health through practical, sustainable lifestyle changes, and we are delighted to have been shortlisted for an award that recognises its impact.”
Claire Ashby, Head of Charity and Fundraising said: “We are so grateful to NHS Charities Together for their support in funding this wonderful initiative to support our staff to stay well and healthy both in the workplace and at home. We are proud to support our staff with these important wellbeing initiatives, enabling them to bring their whole selves to work and offer outstanding care to our patients.”
The winners will be announced at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards later this year.
