To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to tackle obesity in the NHS staff.
National health service organisations are encouraged to lead the way in supporting staff to address their own weight and health issues, in addition to helping patients do the same. NHS England has committed to supporting the NHS Sports and Activity Challenge which aims to support the importance of staff wellbeing, as well as the opportunities which it offers to deliver the very best care we can to patients, carers and the public more generally.
The Public Health Responsibility Deal health at work pledges include one on Healthier Staff Restaurants which makes it easier for people to choose and maintain a healthier diet while at work. Already 21 NHS trusts have signed up to the Healthier Staff Restaurants pledge.
Public Health England (PHE) has commissioned Liverpool city council and the Health and Work Centre to produce national standards to support local delivery of the Workplace Wellbeing Charter, which will be launched in the summer. Underpinning the new national standard is a series of workplace health topic guides. Among the first series of guides to be launched in the autumn are guides on improving healthy eating and increasing physical activity in the office.
Many NHS organisations are already taking part in the Workplace Wellbeing Charter schemes and accessing the weight management, physical activity and healthy eating support available locally.
PHE has also commissioned an e-learning module on obesity and weight management through the Royal College of General Practice and this will be launched in the summer.
PHE is working with the Department and NHS Employers to encourage NHS trusts to use the Government Food Buying Standards as a key component of their work to support obese staff by creating a healthier and supportive work environment.
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