Now NHS workers to be judged on number of steps they take a day!
HEALTH staff already face the daily challenge of ensuring patients receive tests or start treatment on time.
However, NHS workers in the Borders could now be asked to meet daily walking quotas at work – with their performance recorded in league tables.
A public health report suggests that targets could be set for the number of steps to take every day, with staff monitored to see how they do. Sedentary workers could be issued with standing desks and encouraged to move about to improve their health.
Greig Kelbie of public service union Unison expressed concerns over the proposals.
He said: ‘While I see the positives in standing desks and decent breaks for those who wish to stay active, Unison would be concerned about introducing more targets, particularly if linked to ranking.
‘NHS staff already grapple with a multitude of targets. The last thing they need is more.
‘NHS managers should offer workers support to help their mental and physical well-being, not targets.’
The NHS Borders report by director of public health Dr Sohail Bhatti stresses the importance of prevention in healthcare, including promoting healthy behaviour and regular physical activity.
Figures in the report suggest that more than a quarter of all deaths in Scotland result from health conditions which could have been avoided, and goes on to talk about ways to improve the health of the 3,500 staff at NHS Borders.
Dr Bhatti said the NHS should ‘consider having ranking tables across organisational sub-units for steps/activity’ and that help to stop smoking, lose weight and access to emotional support should be ‘routinely’ offered to health workers.
The report adds that daily step targets could be set, with the data then gathered and analysed.
Research from the University of Sydney in Australia suggests that 9,000 to 10,000 steps a day appears to reduce the risk of an early death or suffering a health scare related to heart disease.
NHS Borders said: ‘There is growing evidence of the impact of a sedentary lifestyle on health and wellbeing. The report proposes a variety of suggestions for improving wellbeing at work in relation to physical activity.
‘Potential for increasing steps while at work will vary depending on people’s roles and personal circumstances.’
Obesity in Scotland is a huge public health concern with more than two-thirds of adults classed as overweight or obese .
A 2015 study suggested that 69 per cent of Scottish nurses were overweight or obese.
‘Last thing that staff need is more targets’