The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism & Industry

HEALTHY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

The IW Chamber of Commerce, Tourism & Industry (IWCCTI) has always recognised the importance of a healthy workforce in ensuring the prosperity of businesses. A healthy and motivated workforce is fundamental to the success of any business, large or small, and it should be a priority of all businesses to take an interest in, and care for, the well-being of their employees.

With this in mind the IWCCTI has linked up with the Islands NHS Primary Care Trust and the Islands County Council to promote employee health and well-being under the brand name of the Healthy Business Partnership (HBP).

CHAMBER HEALTH SERVICES
working with the NHS to improve health and increase access to services
Screening is one of the best ways of early detection of some of the most common illnesses and ailments that can strike people of all ages - the earlier we can detect these illnesses, the better chance we have of helping you make small changes that will help you improve and maintain your health.

The Chamber Health team will carry out CVD screening, risk assessments, smoking cessation and health promotion from our purpose built mobile clinic, all assessments will be conducted by a qualified nurse.

In order to ensure that you can access the service, we will visit your workplace, community centre or your social club and offer the service to you, your employees, your friends and your family.

We also offer a signposting/referral service to other professionals and associations, such as health trainers and exercise on prescription.

CHAMBER HEALTH UPDATE
This years programme is coming to an end, the 3 month screening follow-ups are being conducted, and the evaluation and final report are underway. The figures for Chamber Health make impressive reading. There were 17 GP practices across the Island also participating in the screening programme, when the figures were combined - Chamber Health had actively screened 38.74% of the total population.

We have recently had on-site visit from Dr Steve Feast (Senior Health and Well Being Advisor) to the Department of Health. Dr Feast was very impressed with the work that we have already been doing, he also assured us that Chamber Health is most definitely moving in the right direction and confirmed the governments’ message about the need for local PCT’s to be contracting with independent providers in order for the NHS to be sustainable in the future.

Chamber Health are currently seeking accreditation from the Health Care Commission, this will enable us to ensure the governance of our service and enable us to secure further health care contracts.

We have managed to secure further funding from the IOW PCT to extend the CVD screening. Our previous programme provided screening in both workplaces and community, this extension focuses on increasing access for those who may currently be out of work, therefore, we are conducting a series of dates with Jobcentre Plus and DWP. We are also awaiting confirmation of funds through World Class Commissioning to deliver vascular checks as part of the governments’ national roll out. A series of meetings are planned with commissioning managers from the PCT where we can discuss the services we may be able to deliver in partnership.

The Chamber also worked in partnership with the PCT on the Cardiac-arrhythmias campaign. This campaign went out on Isle of Wight Radio in December and January to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and the importance of dialling 999 as soon as symptoms occurred. There has been some very positive feedback on the campaign from listeners as well as those involved.

SCREENING VENUES - Workplaces
IOW Council Healthy Workforce days - Cowes/ Ryde/ Sandown/ Newport
Romahome - Cowes
Wight Motors - Sandown
Vikoma International - Cowes
Safer Neighbourhood Partnership - Newport
Neutrik - Ryde
Hurst - Newport
Platform 1 - Newport
Crossprint - Newport
BAE Systems - Cowes
Southern Vectis - Ryde and Newport
Broadlands House - DWP - Newport
Trucast - Ryde
Scottish & Southern Energy - Ryde
Geoff Banks Builders - Cowes

COMMUNITY VENUES
Newport - Red Cross / Charter House / Riverside / Isobel Centre
Ryde - Park Centre / Sherbourne Centre / Westridge / Weight Watchers Classes
Sandown - Broadway Centre / The Heights / Weight Watchers Classes / Sandham Middle School
Cowes - Yacht Haven (NBS) / Love Lane Primary School / Medina Neighbourhood Day
East Cowes - The Pavillion / Whippingham Community Centre / Whippingham Park

For Further information about any of the above please contact Jenni Edgington on 01983 554546 or email jenni.edgington@iwchamber.co.uk

Healthy Business Partnership

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