Sickness is still a concern

STAFF ABSENCE LEVELS REMAIN HIGH AT BIRMINGHAM'S HOSPITALS

- GURDIP THANDI

SICKNESS levels among staff at Birmingham hospitals remains high despite a reduction in absences in recent months.

A report to the University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) NHS Foundation Trust Board of Directors said plans were in place to tackle the issue of absence due to illness.

Figures show the level of absence due to sickness stood at 5.53% in March, above the UHB target of 4%.

But this is an improvement from the 6.52% figure which was reported in December.