The generosity of the Cyfeillion Bronglais League of Friends, local businesses, community organisations and partners has helped create a successful staff wellbeing programme that is improving wellbeing, strengthening workplace culture, and supporting higher-quality patient care.
Developed in response to feedback from staff, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Ceredigion System Staff Wellbeing Project was shaped by consultation responses and designed around what colleagues said they needed most: practical support for physical and mental wellbeing, opportunities to connect with colleagues, and activities that were accessible and affordable.
The staff-led programme offers a wide range of activities, including yoga and Pilates, walking and running groups, swimming opportunities, sauna sessions, relaxation activities, active travel incentives, plant and seed exchanges, and an after-work rounders tournament.
The programme has delivered impressive results. Among Hywel Dda staff who completed impact assessments, 97 per cent reported a positive impact on their physical or mental wellbeing and 92 per cent reported a positive impact on both their physical and mental wellbeing. The proportion of staff rating their wellbeing as good or very good increased from 53 per cent before taking part to 81 per cent afterwards. No respondents rated their wellbeing as poor or very poor following participation.
The initiative has been made possible thanks to strong community support. The Cyfeillion Bronglais League of Friends provided £3,690.20 towards the programme, while additional support was given by charities, local businesses including AberPoeth and Afan Bikes, Aberystwyth University Sports Centre, and local authority colleagues through discounted activities and services. Importantly, the programme was delivered at no cost to the Health Board, but staff are contributing towards the cost of activities and giving back to the Cyfeillion Bronglais League of Friends charity.
Andrew Poole, Assistant General Manager at Bronglais Hospital, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Cyfeillion Bronglais League of Friends and to the many local businesses, organisations and partners who have supported this programme. Their generosity has enabled us to invest in our staff in a meaningful way.
“This programme was built on listening to our staff. More than 150 colleagues told us what they wanted and needed to support their wellbeing, and we have worked with our community partners to turn that feedback into a broad and accessible offer.
“The results speak for themselves. Nearly all participants reported a positive impact on their wellbeing, and many have told us they feel more valued, supported and connected to colleagues. That is incredibly important in helping us to help our patients and community.”
“There is a direct link between staff wellbeing and patient wellbeing. Evidence consistently shows that organisations with engaged, healthy and supported staff achieve better patient experiences, improved patient safety and stronger organisational performance. Looking after our staff does not compete with delivering care. It is fundamental to delivering the best possible care for our patients.”
Staff feedback highlighted the importance of feeling valued and supported, with participants describing the programme as “a great initiative” and saying it had made them happier in the workplace. Others spoke about the opportunity to try new activities, build new relationships and feel that the organisation genuinely cares about their wellbeing.
Andrew Carruthers, Hywel Dda’s Chief Operating Officer said: “Thank you to the Cyfeillion Bronglais League of Friends and all the businesses, organisations and community partners whose support has helped make the programme such a success. Thank you also goes to the Bronglais team for leading this important work. Together, their contribution is helping to create a healthier, more connected workforce and ultimately supporting better care for patients across mid Wales.”
Looking ahead, the Health Board hopes to build on the success of the programme by continuing to work with partners to expand its reach and impact. Recognising that health and care services are delivered by a wide range of organisations, not just the NHS, there is an opportunity to explore how collaborative approaches to staff wellbeing can support the wider workforce.
By working together with partners across the health, care and community sectors, the aim is to strengthen wellbeing, improve staff experience, and ultimately support better outcomes for the people and communities we serve.
