AN ambulance service initiative to ensure the wellbeing of its workforce is being hailed a success after a year.

The Staying Well Service is a measure to support the physical and mental health of members of staff, who in their frontline emergency capacity are frequently exposed to traumatic and disturbing events.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is the body responsible for the scheme and it has reported that 950 employees have accessed the service in its first year of operations, equating to approximately 21 per cent of the Trust’s workforce. 

Emma Wood, the Trust’s executive director of HR and Organisational Development, said: “We take the health and wellbeing of our workforce extremely seriously and are pleased to be able to provide them with a comprehensive range of support.”