In August 2021, CHFT Charity helped and supported the Engagement Team to produce over 8,000 Wellbeing bags to support CHFT Colleagues. 

These wellbeing bags were put in place to support staff working on night shifts who identified that they were unable to get access to food on break times. This service ran over winter, up until Easter 2022. These wellbeing bags have now evolved and slimmed down. 

These packs were shared across all wards/departments at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital based upon staffing levels in the different areas.

The welfare packs had a huge impact on our colleagues, they enabled colleagues to stay hydrated and fed. We were made aware of this impact on cognitive functions when dehydrated which could potentially have an impact on patient care. Lack of dehydration can also cause UTI's/Kidney infections so keeping our colleagues hydrated is a must. 

The wellbeing of our colleagues is vital to us as well as our patients. Colleagues were able to remin in work, hydrated and fed. These wellbeing bags meant that our colleagues could offer the best care for our patients. We believe that engaged and supported staff lead to better patient outcomes. 

John Whalley and Maureen Kershaw have been our regular volunteers who have supported the production and we couldn't thank them enough.