Free hot drinks and toast or a cereal bar are being offered to all 16,000 staff across both hospitals as well as a subsidised hot meal for £1.50. The foodbanks are open to all staff, including those working in the community and Cannock Chase Hospital and West Park Hospital.
The Trusts were alerted to the need to support colleagues from July and August onwards after being told some were struggling to afford to come to work because of the cost of living crisis.
Professor David Loughton CBE, group chief executive of both Trusts, said: “We have a duty of care to support our staff and their wellbeing is our focus, so this gesture has been made to support them at a challenging time for so many people in our society. Sadly, there is a real need for this service, and, we’re keen to do everything we can to help our colleagues.
“By doing this we know our staff are there for our patients, and they will not be going without a small meal or access to essentials. We are pleased to be able to offer this but extremely concerned too; our organisations are at risk of increased staff absence due to stress and the potential of increased vacancies if colleagues cannot afford to work due to the cost of living crisis.”