Barnsley Hospital has been awarded ‘gold’ for their achievements in promoting health at work ahead of the 2012 games.

The prestigious NHS 2012 Challenge Gold Award was presented to the hospital for the activities and programmes offered to staff to improve health and wellbeing.

The NHS 2012 Challenge aims to use the inspirational power of London 2012 to get NHS employees actively engaged in sport or physical activity as part of, or associated with, their NHS employment. 

Dr Rajeev Gupta, Chair of the Healthy Workplace Project said: “To be recognised on a national level and to be presented the award by Sir David Nicholson is quite an achievement.

“Our project provides a range of activities to help staff stay healthy including setting up walking groups, cycle schemes, stress workshop, and arranging for a local fruit and vegetable market stall to sell their produce in the hospital every week.”

Chief Executive of Barnsley Hospital, Paul O’Connor said: “This award is fantastic for Barnsley Hospital and the Healthy Workplace Project who work so hard to improve and support the health of our staff.

“All the initiatives that the project put in place are to support staff whilst at work and have a positive impact on them – looking after the wellbeing and motivation of our staff is a very important part of delivering high quality service our local people deserve.”

Hospital workers are currently being encouraged to walk, cycle and run more as part of the Barnsley Games Challenge on the run up to the Olympic Games.