Junior Doctor Food Access - FOI Response Register

1. Please confirm the policies/provisions in place in NHS Shetland to ensure staff (in particular junior doctors) have access to nutritious food, out of hours catering and rest spaces.

There is a vending machine in the hospital available for all staff which has meals including salads, sandwiches and another that has juice/water and snacks.  There is also a microwave available to heat up meals should this be required.  There is no policy on this but there is a healthy eating policy https://www.shb.scot.nhs.uk/board/policies/HealthyEatingPolicy.pdf

There are rest rooms available for staff if required

2. The Scottish Government have stated that in March 2023 it confirmed funding to Health Boards for the purchase of small hot food appliances for all hospital Doctors in Training.  Please confirm a) how much money has been paid to NHS Shetland or is due to be paid to the board for this purpose b) what plans the board have in place of the use of this funding. ie. what specific equipment will be purchased and where will this be available within the health board?

We have not been made aware of any funding from March 2023 and no funding has been received as at May 2023.

3. The Scottish Government have also stated that in in 2021, it made £12 million available to the NHS workforce, including funding for practical support such as access to hot food and drinks. Please confirm a) the share of this funding received by NHS Shetland

Workforce Wellbeing Funding of £29,429 was received in 21/22 for Health & Social Care staff across Shetland.

b) how this funding has been used within NHS Shetland and what practical support has been put in place since 2021 using such funding.

This was spent on a variety of staff wellbeing initiatives such as coffee/hot chocolate machines, microwaves, office fans, team building events such as meals, clay pigeon shooting, crafting, relaxation events etc., picnic tables, yoga mats, water bottles, office plants etc.