Hospital executives in Birmingham have acknowledged significant concerns regarding staff sickness levels across their facilities, with senior leaders stating they "want to do better" in addressing this persistent issue. The University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which operates multiple major hospitals in the region, is implementing a series of targeted measures to reduce absenteeism and its substantial financial impact.
Persistent Sickness Rates Exceeding Targets
Recent data presented to the Trust's Board of Directors revealed an overall annual sickness rate of 6.2 per cent recorded in October, significantly above the organisation's own target of four per cent. This concerning trend has been ongoing for several months, prompting the establishment of a dedicated Sickness Absence Oversight Group to develop comprehensive strategies for tackling the problem.
Financial Implications and Staffing Pressures
Board members expressed particular concern about how elevated sickness absence rates are affecting staffing costs as the Trust works to balance its financial books. Julian Miller, UHB Chief Financial Officer, highlighted the direct connection between sickness levels and budgetary pressures, stating: "Sickness is a big contributory factor and that's part of what is driving our pay overspend. We talk every month how pay overspend is the biggest of our financial performance."
Sir Andrew Morris, a non-executive director, emphasised the financial significance of even modest improvements, noting: "For next year, getting to four per cent is going to be quite a challenge. Even a one per cent improvement, getting it down to five is big money of our total pay bill."
Varied Performance Across Hospital Sites
The report presented to board members revealed notable variations in sickness rates across different hospital sites within the Trust. Solihull Hospital recorded the highest rate at 6.97 per cent, followed by Good Hope Hospital at 6.28 per cent. Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Heartlands Hospital showed slightly lower but still concerning rates of six per cent and 5.99 per cent respectively, all substantially above the Trust's four per cent target.
New Initiatives and Management Focus
The Trust is implementing new reporting mechanisms and strengthening management oversight as part of its response to the sickness challenge. A Trust report stated: "Sickness absence remains high and work continues to support managers in addressing it. Analysis of the Workplace Adjustment Pathway shows a positive impact on sickness absence. Steps continue to be taken to ensure that all sites are accessible."
Dame Yve Buckland, Trust Chair, emphasised the organisation's commitment to improvement, saying: "We've really focussed on sickness absence. We see it as something where we are an outlier and we want to do better. It's key in terms of our Cost Improvement Programme as well as staff morale and wellbeing. It's really great to hear the work that is going on. Also, the focus around how we talk to leaders and how we follow it up with leaders."
Comprehensive Approach to Workforce Challenges
The ongoing work addresses sickness absence across all major hospital sites operated by the Trust, including Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Solihull Hospital, and Good Hope Hospital. This comprehensive approach recognises that high staff sickness rates not only create financial pressures but also potentially affect service delivery, staff morale, and patient care across the Birmingham and Solihull healthcare system.
