Question

To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what steps the Commission is taking to improve the (a) physical and (b) mental well-being of all employed staff.

The Parliamentary Health and Wellbeing Service (PHWS) support staff to help maintain and improve their physical and mental well-being.

PHWS offer a number of services including:

• healthcare advice to improve fitness and wellbeing
• wellbeing classes on the Parliamentary Estate, including yoga, pilates and mindfulness
• advice and guidance for staff with disabilities
• support to give up smoking plus dietary and lifestyle advice
• access to physiotherapy services.

The House also has a contract with Westminster Gym which provides employees, amongst others, to access to gym facilities and a range of classes and treatments.

Wellbeing support is also provided and includes counselling by Wellbeing Practitioners. Support, advice and guidance is also provided to help with issues such as:

• Mental Health
• Problems at home or work
• Ill health or ill health of loved ones
• Financial difficulties and debt
• Bereavement
• Alcohol and Drug issues

A minor treatment clinic is located in the Palace of Westminster. The Clinical Nurse Adviser can provide advice and information about illness, injuries at work, lifestyle and wellbeing issues. The Clinical nurse is able to refer clients onto specialist agencies or in-house services where necessary. Minor treatments such as dressings, ear syringing, removal of stitches and blood pressure monitoring can take place at this clinic.

The Service also runs Health & Wellbeing events. These are organised regularly during the parliamentary year and include an annual Wellbeing Day. This gives staff the opportunity to have an individual health check and obtain advice and guidance on health & wellbeing related issues.