Industry
Healthcare
Project Brief
To evaluate a mental health service for NHS staff, established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
Our findings demonstrated to organisations and the Integrated Care Board the value and potential cash releasing savings to be generated from sustaining the service.
SERVICE
Commercial and New Ventures
Our Client
The North Yorkshire & The Humber Resilience Hub was established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide rapid, confidential mental health support for NHS and care staff across Humber and North Yorkshire. Unlike traditional occupational health services, the Hub operated independently, offering immediate access to psychological interventions without the need for managerial referrals.
Project Brief
With NHS England’s funding coming to an end, the future of the Hub was uncertain. Given the high rates of mental health-related sickness absence in the NHS, which accounted for 23% of all sick days, the need for sustainable, mental health support was more pressing than ever. This project sought to assess the Hub’s impact, financial viability, and future funding options to secure its long-term sustainability.
The Solution
Impact Analysis
To build the case for ongoing funding, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the Hub’s impact on staff wellbeing and organisational efficiency. The analysis showed that the Hub provided mental health support to approximately 1,000 individuals per year, significantly reducing anxiety and depression symptoms – using evidence-based tools.
This demonstrated that:
• 25% of those who had taken sick leave were able to return to work
• 10% of those at risk of absence remained in their roles after receiving support
• 45% reported feeling more focused and engaged at work
These findings demonstrated the critical role of the Hub in workforce retention and productivity, reinforcing its value as a long-term investment.
Economic Analysis
Alongside analysis wider outcomes, detailed financial analysis was undertaken to quantify the economic benefits of the Hub. We modelled the cost savings associated with reduced sickness absence and improved presenteeism.
This was applied against the costs of operating the Hub, taking account of the counter factual. The results indicated a £4-£5 return on investment for every £1 spent on the Resilience Hub, driven by reductions in agency cover costs and increased workforce productivity. This compelling financial case provided a strong foundation for future funding discussions, ensuring that investment in staff wellbeing was framed not just as a moral imperative but as a cost-effective strategy for NHS organisations.
The Results
Our analysis demonstrated positive clinical outcomes and huge service users satisfaction and desire in an independent, impartial model. Economic analysis showcased a strong return on investment (ROI) of £1:£4–£5, rising to £9 for some organisations (depending on severity of existing sickness rates). These findings demonstrated to organisations and the ICB the value and potential cash releasing savings to be generated from sustaining the Resilience Hub.
These results were featured in the British Psychological Society’s Learning from NHS Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs report (Dec 2023), supporting the case for sustained government funding.
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