NHS Employers: Rest, rehydrate, refuel project (5 January 2024)

Summary

This project aimed at understanding and tackling the barriers to sufficient hydration, breaks and refreshment facilities for NHS staff. Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was keen to introduce the Royal College of Nursing's (RCN) rest, rehydrate and refuel initiative, and did so through a project led by one of the chief nurse clinical fellows. First, staff were surveyed to understand the current situation and any barriers they may face. This was followed by a trial on two pilot wards, before roll our of a trust-wide campaign.

Content

Key benefits and outcomes:

• The rest, rehydrate, refuel project has :engaged staff in self care and promoted the importance of staff rest, hydration and nutrition.
• Initiated and embedded new ways of working.
• Provided staff with top tips and advice.
• Worked with key stakeholders at the trust to improve staff hydration and access to nutritional food.