Worry over 'high' rate of staff sickness at hospitals

REVIEW INTO MANAGEMENT OF ABSENCE

- GURDIP THANDI

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust reported a 5.6% rate of absence in staff due to sickness, above its 4% target

CONCERNS have been raised about the worrying staff sickness rates in Birmingham hospitals with winter months approaching.

Data presented to the University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) NHS Foundation Trust Board of Directors showed an overall annual sickness rate in August of 5.6 per cent against their own target of four per cent.

The board heard there were common issues in the trust, which incorporates Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull hospitals, regarding sickness that needed to be addressed.