Partnership work with NHS provides psychological support to Cardiff Council staff

Partnership work with NHS provides psychological support to Cardiff Council staff

Employees of Cardiff Council are benefiting from access to Specialist Mental Health Assessment and Therapeutic Treatment services through an exciting partnership with the Department of Liaison Psychiatry, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

The initiative is a further demonstration of the Council’s commitment to maximising the health and wellbeing of its staff and it will also play a key role in helping to improve attendance and the provision of high quality services to the public.

Services are available through the Council’s Occupational Health Service who can provide access to specialist advice and therapy from the Department of Liaison Psychiatry in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. The initiative provides specialist help to individuals who are affected by a range of psychological health conditions

Progress to date has been promising and there have already been several cases where prompt access to specialist services has been instrumental in providing appropriate support and intervention to vulnerable individuals, preventing more complex psychological problems and helping people to return to work earlier.

It is also hoped the partnership initiative will help to reduce stress and improve health through proactive and progressive practical measures.

Councillor Mark Stephens said, “I am pleased we are working closely with the University Hospital of Wales on this exciting initiative.

“As a Council we are committed to tackling the level of staff absence at the same time as ensuring we are putting in place measures which help to look after the health of our staff.

“The feedback so far has been promising and access to such a service clearly benefits the individuals affected as well as making a valuable contribution to the Council’s goal of greater efficiency in the delivery of high quality public services.”

Tracy Myhill, Director of Organisational Development and Workforce at the newly formed University Health Board, added: “It’s positive to note Cardiff Council place so much emphasis on the wellbeing of their staff – mental health affects so many of us and it’s important as employers to do our utmost to help wherever possible.

“I’m thankful that Cardiff and Vale University Health Board can play a part in caring for council staff and ultimately make the workplace a happier, more efficient environment to be. Working together to support and develop staff across the wider public sector is an approach welcomed by the University Health Board”