30 October 2014

NHS Borders today launched an innovative marketing campaign asking staff, the public and businesses across the Borders to make small changes in their life and work practice which will make a big difference to their health and wellbeing.

The Small Changes, Big Difference campaign is a Borders addition to the Health Promoting Health Service (HPHS) programme which focuses on the health and wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors in hospital settings. It has an underpinning theme that ‘every healthcare contact is a health improvement opportunity.’

Explaining the motivation behind the campaign, Dr Eric Baijal, Joint Director of Public Health for NHS Borders and SBC said: “Ultimately our longer term aim is to encourage people to change their behaviour and lifestyles which will contribute to improved health and wellbeing across the Borders.”

“Engaging more of our staff to put this into practice on a regular basis, by talking to people about their health and wellbeing alongside their medical care, supports our aim to provide high quality, safe and effective patient centred care.”

Amongst the senior staff at NHS Borders pledging their support for the campaign today were

  • Dr Sheena MacDonald; Medical Director: “One of my meetings each week will be a walking meeting. I am encouraging a more informal and more active style of work.”
  • Evelyn Rodger; Director of Nursing and Midwifery: “I will be seeking commitment from all Senior Charge Nurses to hold daily conversations with their patients about their health and wellbeing.”   
  • Irene Bonnar; Head of Work and Wellbeing: “The Work and Wellbeing team will do everything we can to support our staff to improve their health and wellbeing so they are able to deliver high quality patient care.”   

Evelyn And Irene Resize

Adding his support to the campaign, Chair of NHS Borders, John Raine said: “The Small Changes, Big Difference campaign supports our aim to be a leading example of a health promoting organisation encouraging staff, patients and visitors to improve their health and I am delighted to be part of the campaign launch today.”

Get involved

The Small Changes, Big Difference campaign is inviting members of the public, NHS and SBC employees and local business from across the Borders to share their own stories and photos showing how small changes in their lives have made a big difference to their health and wellbeing. 

It’s never too late to make a small change. Please share your stories on the ‘Small Changes, Big Difference’ Facebook and Twitter page or send them to SCBD@borders.scot.nhs.uk. You can even write your pledge on a post-it, photograph it and share your small change selfie with us.

Further information can be found at www.SmallChangesBigDifference.org  or find us on social media.

https://twitter.com/SmallChangesNow

https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesNow

 Group Resize