Priory provides service to benefit business
The Priory Group is responding to a demonstrable need by launching a new service in Preston to help businesses support employees who are suffering from stress or other mental health issues.
Priory Quayside House, based in Navigation Way in Preston, has just opened to offer a bespoke choice of therapy services for people dealing with a range of problems.
The service is available to males and females aged 16 and over struggling with eating disorders, problem drinking, depression, stress, low self-esteem, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, relationship problems, bereavement and many other issues.
The Priory Quayside House service aims to help reduce sickness levels due to emotional and mental health issues, or to help employees return to work having received the best possible treatment.
Therapies available include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy, dietetics, psychotherapy, relationship therapy and bereavement counselling.
A survey undertaken by the Priory Group of absenteeism due to stress or depression within Preston Council revealed that from 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011, 24 members of staff were signed off for these reasons.
It is becoming gradually more common for employees to feel the strain of heavy work loads and increasingly long hours and it can affect people at any level. The boss of Lloyds Banking Group, Antonio Horta-Osorio, was recently advised by his doctors that he is physically and mentally exhausted, as a result of the way he has immersed himself in running the national bank.
Stress is the second biggest occupational health issue in the UK after back problems. It is estimated that 10.8 million working days were lost in 2010/11 and on average each person suffering from this condition took 27 days off work*.
The services offered aim to prevent people needing to take time off work by providing a quick response to referrals. Patients will be assessed within two days and flexible out of hours and weekend appointments will be available.
Referrals to the service are accepted from GPs, solicitors, occupational health departments, health care professionals and other providers of care, plus self-referrals are also accepted.
Dr S Chattree, Medical Director, said: “These services are available to offer support for anyone who feels they are struggling with the many obstacles that everyday life can present. An increasing number of people are reporting work related stress, but there is often no set path as to how people should deal with it.
“It is quite natural to feel slightly worried or anxious if you are experiencing a particularly busy or difficult time at work, or are involved in an important project. In fact this can help people become more alert as the natural response of adrenalin kicks in.
“However, it is when this escalates into acute anxiety that it can start hindering a worker’s ability to cope, have an adverse impact on their health and home life, and affect their ability to do a good job.
“We are reaching out to businesses to inform them that we may be able to help with therapy and counseling methods, to stop employees’ worries turning into serious and disabling illnesses.”
For more information about our corporate or individual packages contact Sheila Hartswell, Therapy Services Manager, on 01772 691122
*HSE Figures
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