Top employer NHSGGC recognised for caring for its carers
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde not only cares for its patients but also takes care of its staff with caring responsibilities – and it now has an award to prove it!
NHSGGC has been recognised under the Carer Positive Award Scheme. Carer Positive awards are only presented to those employers in Scotland who have been able to show they have a working environment where carers are valued and supported. Carer Positive is operated by Carers Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Within its staff of 38,000, NHSGGC estimates that a large proportion of those perform a caring role over and above their work duties. A carer is a person who provides unpaid practical, physical and emotional support to a relative, a friend or neighbour due a physical or mental illness, addiction, frailty or disability and three out of five people will become a carer to someone at some stage in their lives.
Anne MacPherson, NHSGGC’s Director of Human Resources & Organisational Development said: “As an employer we have to recognise that when our staff finish their shift, they might be starting all over again caring for a sick or elderly relative. We recognise that balancing work and personal lives can be challenging and as one of the largest employers in the West of Scotland we need to do everything we can to ease this burden when we can.
“We want anyone who is a carer to know they are not alone and there is a range of help and support available for not only them but the person they are caring for.
“This award is a great achievement, celebrating the support available within our organisation for our staff with caring responsibilities, and for those thinking of coming to work for us, further identifies us as an employer of choice.”
Simon Hodgson, Director of Carers Scotland said: “I am delighted to welcome NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde to the growing number of Carer Positive employers across Scotland. We are acutely aware that juggling work and caring for a family member can be very challenging and often very isolating. With 1 in 7 of the Scottish workforce caring for a loved one it is important that employers have supportive policies and procedures in place that support their carer employees. Carer Positive accreditation demonstrates a commitment to do this.”
Well Done NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde!
