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NHS staff projects
17/06/2009
Projects aimed at improving the health, safety and wellbeing of staff working in the NHS in Scotland are set to benefit from funding totalling £1.5 million.
Public Health Minister Shona Robison made the announcement during a speech at the NHSScotland Event in Glasgow today.
Ms Robison revealed that, from a total of just over £1 million being allocated, over £300,000 of the cash is set to be invested in projects which address violence and aggression against staff.
In addition to these projects, the remaining money will be used to develop a programme of activity aimed at tackling stress.
During her speech Ms Robison also paid tribute to the efforts of NHS staff throughout the recent H1N1 outbreak.
Ms Robison said:
"The importance of public health has been brought into sharp focus by the recent outbreak of the H1N1 strain of flu and I would like to thank NHS staff in Scotland for their effective and swift response.
"I am hugely encouraged by the work that is taking place to improve the health of Scotland's people. A healthier Scotland is a better Scotland and NHS staff are working on the frontline in order to deliver this.
"I am also delighted to be announcing the successful projects set to receive funding from the Working Well Challenge Fund. Alongside existing initiatives these will help to ensure that staff can continue to work towards our shared goal of improving the nation's health in a safe working environment."
After the speech Ms Robison paid a visit to the Cooking Bus which has taken up residence at the SECC until Thursday.
Staff from Yorkhill's dietetic and education department are on board and working with various groups of children, including a group of diabetics and young people suffering from a metabolic disorder, to teach them how to cook simple healthy meals which are suitable for their diets.
The NHSScotland Event provides the opportunity for those who work in, and with, the NHS in Scotland to discuss, share and learn more about tools and techniques and good practice happening across the country that supports the delivery of continuous quality improvement and Better Health, Better Care in Scotland.