20th October 2011 NHS cold and flu absence almost 25 percent higher than private sector

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NHS staff could face a winter of ill health, with absence management specialist FirstCare predicting that healthcare workers are almost 25 percent more likely to suffer from coughs, colds and flu than employees from the private sector.

 

Analysis of data by FirstCare has found that instances of absence due to coughs, colds and flu among NHS workers have steadily increased compared to levels among private sector employees since 2008.

 

According to data from FirstCare, levels of cough, cold and flu absence among NHS workers were seven percent higher than the private sector in 2008; 11 percent higher in 2009; and 18 percent higher in 2010.

 

Based on these trends, FirstCare predict that there could be 25 percent more cough, cold and flu absences amongst NHS workers than in the private sector over the course of this winter.

 

FirstCare has attributed the higher instances of coughs, colds and flu among NHS workers to increased work pressures and stress depleting immune systems, exposure to a seasonal increase in this type of illness among their patients, and insufficient numbers of NHS staff being vaccinated against flu.

 

James Arquette, Commercial Director for FirstCare, said:

 

“This could be a tough winter for the NHS if they have to absorb sizeable absences among its own workforce while also having to look after a wider public that is also suffering from coughs, colds and flu.  If these absences are not managed properly, then it could have a very debilitating impact on the whole workforce.

 

“There is a clearly an increased susceptibility among our health workers to colds and flu – and this urgently needs to be addressed, or else we could see levels of sickness within the NHS workforce skyrocket at a time when the public needs them most.”