CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE OUTCOMES FROM THE STAFF HEALTH EVENT REPORT

Transcription

1 CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE OUTCOMES FROM THE STAFF HEALTH EVENT REPORT July 2013 Healthy Hearts in the West is funded by The Public Health Agency and Belfast Local Commissioning Group HHW: Corpus Christi College Staff Health Event ~ Outcomes Page 1

2 CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE: OUTCOMES FROM THE STAFF HEALTH EVENT REPORT Contents Context 3 Feedback from Staff 4 Comment 8 Future Opportunities 9 Appendix Staff Intentions After the Health Event and Lifestyle Changes Made 11 Jane Turnbull HHW Evaluator / Researcher July 2013 HHW: Corpus Christi College Staff Health Event ~ Outcomes Page 2

3 CONTEXT The Healthy Hearts in the West Initiative (HHW) was established to mobilise existing resources and assets of communities in West Belfast, and to work with health professionals and other organisations, so that people living in West Belfast experience heart health equivalent to the best in Northern Ireland / Europe. The Initiative is funded by the Public Health Agency and the Local Commissioning Group, until March In February 2013, following an approach from the Head of Pastoral Care at Corpus Christi College (who is a member of the Upper Springfield Healthy Hearts Hub Steering Group), HHW delivered a Health Event for staff at Corpus Christi College. The Evaluation Report, delivered after the Event, formed by both staff and stand-holders, showed that the Health Event had been very well received. Further meetings with the School Principal, Head of Pastoral Care, the HHW Coordinator and the HHW Evaluator / Researcher considered other ways in which the Corpus Christi partnership with Healthy Hearts could be further developed. The Principal agreed that there were benefits in asking staff to complete a follow-up questionnaire three months after the Health Event. The aim was to ascertain the short to medium term impact of the Health Event; and to see whether the positive comments and intentions stated by staff about making lifestyle changes (armed with new information and health check results gathered during the Health Event) would be put into practice in any tangible way. This Report has been informed by a follow-up meeting between Corpus Christi College and Healthy Hearts in the West and feedback from staff. In addition to presenting the outcomes from the Staff Health Event in February, it also outlines ways in which Corpus Christi College can continue to build on and pilot healthy school initiatives for staff, pupils, and parents; both autonomously and in partnership with Healthy Hearts. HHW: Corpus Christi College Staff Health Event ~ Outcomes Page 3

4 FEEDBACK FROM STAFF At the end of May 2013, staff at Corpus Christi were invited to complete a short follow-up questionnaire; asking about any lifestyle changes or follow-up actions they have made following the Corpus Christi Staff Health Event. 38 questionnaires were completed and returned. Profile of Follow-Up Questionnaire respondents Staff completing the questionnaire were asked to give their gender, age bracket, and their role in Corpus Christie College. The data is given in the table below. Under years Over 55 years Unknown Total 35years Male Female Unknown Total Follow-Up to the Corpus Christi College Health Event After the Health Event staff gave a number of different ideas about follow up activity that they intended to do after the Event. This list was included in a table in the Follow-Up Questionnaire. Staff were asked to consider the follow-up activities listed in the table, and to indicate which of the actions they have followed up already, those that they plan to do but have not yet started, and those that are not relevant to them (in retrospect an additional column I already do this should maybe have been included as an option as not relevant to me may be because staff already engage in this). The table below shows the feedback from staff. Follow Up Activity Yes I have done this I plan to do this Not relevant to me Eat more healthily / improve my diet Take better care of my health Take more exercise Drink plenty of water Watch my cholesterol and blood sugar Start walking twice a week to reduce my blood pressure HHW: Corpus Christi College Staff Health Event ~ Outcomes Page 4

5 Follow Up Activity continued Yes I have done this I plan to do this Not relevant to me Get regular medical checks Make an appointment to see my GP following recommendation at the Event Start circuit training Make appointments to have more complementary therapies More make up sessions Join a yoga class Have more reflexology Of the 38 members of staff who completed the follow-up questionnaire, only three said that they had made no lifestyle changes following the Health Event. Of those, one person plans to 'watch his cholesterol and blood sugar levels' and also to 'get regular medical checks'. At the end of the Health Event in February 35 staff completed and returned the Event Evaluation Questionnaire. The Appendix shows the follow-up activity and lifestyle changes they thought they would do. What is interesting to note from the two tables (ie plans and actual changes made) is that far more lifestyle changes have taken place than initially predicted. For example: All 6 staff (and 2 more) who said they would see their GP following the Health Check made these appointments. 22 members of staff say that they are taking more exercise (whereas 7 said that they intended to do so in February). 27 members of staff said that they are eating more healthily / improved their diet immediately after the Health Event 3 had specifically noted this as an intention. 24 staff said that they are taking better care of their health in February one person had said this was something they intended to do differently. The Follow-Up Questionnaire asked whether there was anything else that staff have done or plan to do in relation to lifestyle choices, that was not included in the table above. 11 members of staff said no; 17 either wrote not-applicable or did not respond; and 10 members of staff gave a response. Five responses came from male members of staff: Trying to get the whole family involved and to plan our healthy living Better sleep I have stopped smoking General improvement in lifestyle: exercise and diet Less drinking and more exercise HHW: Corpus Christi College Staff Health Event ~ Outcomes Page 5

6 Five responses were given by female members of staff: Generally take more exercise Increase even more the amount of exercise I do General improvements in diet and more exercise Cut down on food not necessary to living, but are just indulgent (like alcohol and takeaways) Try to keep stress levels down by having better work / life balance. The Follow-Up Questionnaire asked in what ways, if any, has the Health Event had an impact other than participation on the day. 15 members of staff responded to this question; their responses are given in full below. Established problem of low blood pressure [this female member of staff made an appointment to see her GP following the Health Event] Increased awareness of healthy lifestyle options [this male member of staff says he is taking more exercise, eating more healthily, is taking better care of his health, and is watching his cholesterol and blood sugar levels] It was a wake up call. As a result I have lost weight and my blood pressure is now normal along with bloods [this male member of staff made an appointment to see his GP as a result of a high blood pressure reading at the Health Event. He says he is also taking more exercise, eating more healthily, has started circuit training, is drinking plenty of water, has started walking twice a week to improve his blood pressure, is getting regular medical checks, and is taking better care of his health] Raised my general awareness of my health [this female member of staff says that she is taking more exercise, eating more healthily, and drinking plenty of water] More aware of the importance of health checks and the benefits of personal therapy sessions [this female member of staff has made appointments to have complementary therapies following the Health Event, and has also made a number of general changes to her lifestyle] Provision of the Fitness Suite in School has made a fitness regime more accessible for me [this male member of staff says he is taking more exercise and has started circuit training. He is also eating more healthily and is generally taking better care of his health]. Raised awareness and highlighted the importance of planning [this male member of staff has made a number of lifestyle changes, including starting circuit training and walking]. Opened my eyes [this male member of staff has made a number of lifestyle changes]. More attention to personal health [this male member of staff has started circuit training and taking better care of his health]. Greater awareness and appreciation of general health [this male member of staff says he is taking more exercise, eating more healthily and generally taking better care of his health]. It has helped me to relax and look after myself [this male member of staff is taking more exercise and eating more healthily]. Enjoyment of yoga, and plan to take it up [this female member of staff has already made lifestyle changes, including taking more exercise, making appointments for HHW: Corpus Christi College Staff Health Event ~ Outcomes Page 6

7 complementary therapies, and eating more healthily]. It highlighted the ever-increasing importance of looking after health [this female member of staff has made changes to her diet and started walking twice a week]. General improvements in diet and more exercise [this was confirmed in the lifestyle changes this female member of staff noted to the earlier question]. Made me more aware of my own health [this female member of staff has made changes to her diet, and is watching her cholesterol and blood sugar levels]. One female member of staff noted I was given an inaccurate result for my BMI reading, and was advised incorrectly by the member of staff present. This feedback has been ed to both the Keito Machine pharmacists and the Top of the Rock healthy Living Centre member of staff present on the day. 8 staff members chose to give additional comments about the Health Event. Their responses are given in full below. It was a fantastic day! Thank you. More days such as this please. A good idea; this should be an annual event. An excellent day, could use another one today. More of the same. More half days like this for staff. Should be an annual event. More events based on health for pupils. HHW: Corpus Christi College Staff Health Event ~ Outcomes Page 7

8 COMMENT The opportunity to carry out this follow-up to the Corpus Christi Health Event has been beneficial. More often than not it is difficult to be able to capture the short to medium-term impact of Health Events (due to the fact that they are attended by people coming from different places and contact data is not taken on the day). The approach taken by Corpus Christi College to enter into a longer-term partnership with Healthy Hearts in the West (rather than a one-off event) included a willingness to carry out a follow-up questionnaire to ascertain the impact of the Health Event for staff. What stands out from the staff follow-up is that the Health Event had a significantly higher impact on staff choices about healthy lifestyles than initially anticipated from the Evaluation Form completed at the end of the Health Event. Very often when evaluation forms are completed at the end of an event people are over-optimistic about what they intend to do as a follow-up; or the demands of real life prevent them from putting good intentions into practice. What appears to be the case with the Corpus Christi staff is that reflecting on the information gathered, the health checks, and the taster sessions has led people to make choices and take action to improve their health. Another possible reason for the uptake in healthy lifestyle choices is that staff have taken on healthy options and opportunities together. This includes accessing the new Fitness Suite in the School before or after the School day; or eating healthier lunches in the staff room. At a follow up meeting (24 th April) between the College Principal, the Head of Pastoral Care, the HHW Coordinator, and the HHW Evaluator / Researcher a number of elements were noted that it was felt contributed to the success of the Staff Health Event: The survey completed by staff relating to the College staff development programme identified health and welfare so therefore the Health Event was timely On the day it was billed and presented as a Health Event with a fun element (including don t wear a suit in to work that day) It was not regimented, staff were encouraged to take part in the activities that interested them The way the Health Event was sold to staff; management were not telling staff what to do, it was offered as an Event that provided taster sessions, health checks, and information for the benefit of staff. A number of outside agencies that came in to the College, offering a number of different things to do. There was variety and movement between the activity stations. It is strongly recommended that a follow-up Health Event is offered to staff during the academic year. HHW: Corpus Christi College Staff Health Event ~ Outcomes Page 8

9 FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES The College has taken a whole school approach to health and has looked at practical ways to support staff healthy lifestyles. For example, three members of staff have had time off school to attend GP appointments as recommended at the Health Event. The School Fitness Suite (funded by Active Communities, Extended Schools and other small grants) is on site and open to staff before and after School. One person specifically noted in the Follow-Up Questionnaire that having this facility on-site has made a fitness regime more accessible. The School has developed a number of health opportunities have already been initiated for pupils: Installation of six outside table tennis tables pupils could buy table tennis bats for 1 each (less than 50% of the price) and give them a ball. By the end of April the School had sold 116 table tennis bats to pupils. Introduced Mountain Biking and Basketball opportunities for pupils. Pupils who never previously been interested in physical activity are accessing the Gym in their free time. A programme was commissioned through the Active Communities Coaches for Year 9 pupils; however this was a somewhat frustrating experience as the Coaches only came twice. The Principal has said that all new physical activity opportunities offered to pupils will be in addition to the timetables PE lessons. He is also interested in the potential for pupils to engage in a health cooking and eating programme. It has been agreed to start with a pilot programme for pupils starting in Year 8 in September 2013, and those moving into Year 9. To this end, the new pupils staring in September completed a short health questionnaire focusing on physical activity and diet and nutrition (adapted from the Fit Kids Survey). Pupils in Year 9 will also complete the same questionnaire at the start of the new school year (it is possible that the survey will be administered to all pupils in the school). The data from the questionnaires will help to inform the pilot programme activities. One element of the pilot programme that is currently being explored is to link in with the School Nursing Team. Every child in P1 and P8 is given an appointment for an assessment with the School Nurse. The Chief Executive of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has expressed a willingness to consider a pilot, where outcomes recorded by the School Nurse may be measured and reported; and shared with the HHW / Corpus Christi pilot programme. A review of the Ballymena Academy approach and the British Heart Foundation Olympic Legacy will be drafted by the HHW Evaluator Researcher. Opportunities for programmes through Active Communities Coaches will also be considered. This data will inform Corpus Christi about physical activity options within the pilot programme. The HHW Coordinator from the Upper Falls Hub piloted a Cook It Competition with Post- Primary Schools (CBS, St Mary s and Le Salle) in There is the potential for Corpus Christi College to link in with this initiative if it runs again in the academic year. HHW: Corpus Christi College Staff Health Event ~ Outcomes Page 9

10 A parents questionnaire has been drafted, which may be sent home at the start of the new school year, inviting parents of all pupils to complete and return it. Data will give a picture of the health choices and concerns of families with children attending Corpus Christi College. There is also potential for parental involvement in healthy lifestyles: for example involving the home economics department, and developing a programme linking to literacy and numeracy skills with healthy meals. The Cook-It Programme could also be delivered to parents through the College. There is potential to build on the School Chasing Your Dreams initiative; inviting a sports personality to do demonstrations and motivation with pupils. Pupils and parents can also link into the Falls Park Run. In May 2013 the College launched the new Fitness Suite, funded by Active Belfast, with some additional funds sought from elsewhere. The Fitness Suite is open to staff before and after School; and there has been a positive take-up of this new facility. There are also plans to open up access to the Fitness Suite to: Residents living close to the School Staff at Our Lady home Greater Falls Extended Schools Cluster Soccer School young people and parents who use Corpus Christi facilities on a Thursday. The HHW Evaluator / Researcher will draft a short questionnaire for all adults using the Fitness Suite which will collect Baseline data and a second questionnaire to be administered again six months after individuals have started accessing the Fitness Suite. This process can be put into place in September The Principal has identified a notice board that can be used to promote heart health lifestyles. This would be seen by both pupils and visitors. It could be used as a vehicle to promote school heart health initiatives, external heart health events, such as the Falls Park Run, and also general heart health messages. HHW: Corpus Christi College Staff Health Event ~ Outcomes Page 10

11 APPENDIX STAFF INTENTIONS AFTER THE HEALTH EVENT, AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES MADE Follow Up Activity Undertaken 28 th May 2013 Yes I have done this I plan to do this Not relevant to Take more exercise Made an appointment to see my GP following recommendation at the Event Make appointments to have more complementary therapies me Join a yoga class Eat more healthily / improve my diet Have more reflexology Start circuit training Drink plenty of water More make up sessions Take better care of my health Start walking twice a week to reduce my blood pressure Watch my cholesterol and blood sugar Get regular medical checks Follow Up Activity Plans Identified after the Event 15 th February 2012 Total Responses Take more exercise 7 Make an appointment to see my GP following recommendation at the Event Make appointments to have more complementary therapies Join a yoga class 5 Eat more healthily / improve my diet Have more reflexology 2 Start circuit training 1 Drink plenty of water 1 More make up sessions 1 Take better care of my health 1 Start walking twice a week to reduce my blood pressure Watch my cholesterol and blood sugar Get regular medical checks HHW: Corpus Christi College Staff Health Event ~ Outcomes Page 11

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