corpus christi college outcomes from the staff …€¦ · at the end of may 2013, staff at corpus...

HHW: Corpus Christi College Staff Health Event ~ Outcomes

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE

OUTCOMES FROM THE STAFF HEALTH EVENT

REPORT

July 2013

Healthy Hearts in the West is funded by

The Public Health Agency and Belfast Local Commissioning Group


CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE: OUTCOMES FROM THE STAFF HEALTH EVENT

REPORT

Contents

Context 3

Feedback from Staff 4

Comment 8

Future Opportunities 9

Appendix Staff Intentions After the Health Event and Lifestyle Changes Made 11

Jane Turnbull

HHW Evaluator / Researcher

July 2013


CONTEXT

The Healthy Hearts in the West Initiative (HHW) was established to mobilise existing

resources and assets of communities in West Belfast, and to work with health professionals

and other organisations, so that people living in West Belfast experience heart health

equivalent to the best in Northern Ireland / Europe. The Initiative is funded by the Public

Health Agency and the Local Commissioning Group, until March 2014.

In February 2013, following an approach from the Head of Pastoral Care at Corpus Christi

College (who is a member of the Upper Springfield Healthy Hearts Hub Steering Group),

HHW delivered a Health Event for staff at Corpus Christi College. The Evaluation Report,

delivered after the Event, formed by both staff and stand-holders, showed that the Health

Event had been very well received. Further meetings with the School Principal, Head of

Pastoral Care, the HHW Coordinator and the HHW Evaluator / Researcher considered other

ways in which the Corpus Christi partnership with Healthy Hearts could be further developed.

The Principal agreed that there were benefits in asking staff to complete a follow-up

questionnaire three months after the Health Event. The aim was to ascertain the short to

medium term impact of the Health Event; and to see whether the positive comments and

intentions stated by staff about making lifestyle changes (armed with new information and

health check results gathered during the Health Event) would be put into practice in any

tangible way.

This Report has been informed by a follow-up meeting between Corpus Christi College and

Healthy Hearts in the West and feedback from staff. In addition to presenting the outcomes

from the Staff Health Event in February, it also outlines ways in which Corpus Christi College

can continue to build on and pilot healthy school initiatives for staff, pupils, and parents; both

autonomously and in partnership with Healthy Hearts.


FEEDBACK FROM STAFF

At the end of May 2013, staff at Corpus Christi were invited to complete a short follow-up

questionnaire; asking about any lifestyle changes or follow-up actions they have made

following the Corpus Christi Staff Health Event. 38 questionnaires were completed and

returned.

Profile of Follow-Up Questionnaire respondents

Staff completing the questionnaire were asked to give their gender, age bracket, and their

role in Corpus Christie College. The data is given in the table below.

Under

35years

35 – 55 years Over 55 years Unknown Total

Male 1 6 3 1 11

Female 6 14 2 1 23

Unknown - 2 1 1 4

Total 7 22 6 3 38

Follow-Up to the Corpus Christi College Health Event

After the Health Event staff gave a number of different ideas about follow up activity that they

intended to do after the Event. This list was included in a table in the Follow-Up

Questionnaire. Staff were asked to consider the follow-up activities listed in the table, and to

indicate which of the actions they have followed up already, those that they plan to do but

have not yet started, and those that are not relevant to them (in retrospect an additional

column ‘I already do this’ should maybe have been included as an option – as ‘not relevant

to me’ may be because staff already engage in this).

The table below shows the feedback from staff.

Follow Up Activity Yes I have

done this

I plan to do

this

Not relevant

to me

Eat more healthily / improve my diet 27 4 4

Take better care of my health 24 9 4

Take more exercise 22 8 3

Drink plenty of water 22 6 8

Watch my cholesterol and blood sugar 16 9 11

Start walking twice a week to reduce my

blood pressure

14 9 13


Follow Up Activity

continued

Yes I have

done this

I plan to do

this

Not relevant

to me

Get regular medical checks 9 14 13

Make an appointment to see my GP

following recommendation at the Event

8 7 22

Start circuit training 8 4 24

Make appointments to have more

complementary therapies

7 16 12

More make up sessions 2 6 25

Join a yoga class 1 5 26

Have more reflexology 1 4 29

Of the 38 members of staff who completed the follow-up questionnaire, only three said that

they had made no lifestyle changes following the Health Event. Of those, one person plans

to 'watch his cholesterol and blood sugar levels' and also to 'get regular medical checks'.

At the end of the Health Event in February 35 staff completed and returned the Event

Evaluation Questionnaire. The Appendix shows the follow-up activity and lifestyle changes

they thought they would do. What is interesting to note from the two tables (ie plans and

actual changes made) is that far more lifestyle changes have taken place than initially

predicted. For example:

All 6 staff (and 2 more) who said they would see their GP following the Health Check

made these appointments.

22 members of staff say that they are taking more exercise (whereas 7 said that they

intended to do so in February).

27 members of staff said that they are eating more healthily / improved their diet –

immediately after the Health Event 3 had specifically noted this as an intention.

24 staff said that they are taking better care of their health – in February one person had

said this was something they intended to do differently.

The Follow-Up Questionnaire asked whether there was anything else that staff have done or

plan to do in relation to lifestyle choices, that was not included in the table above. 11

members of staff said no; 17 either wrote ‘not-applicable’ or did not respond; and 10

members of staff gave a response.

Five responses came from male members of staff:

Trying to get the whole family involved and to plan our healthy living

Better sleep

I have stopped smoking

General improvement in lifestyle: exercise and diet

Less drinking and more exercise


Five responses were given by female members of staff:

Generally take more exercise

Increase even more the amount of exercise I do

General improvements in diet and more exercise

Cut down on food not necessary to living, but are just indulgent (like alcohol and take-

aways)

Try to keep stress levels down by having better work / life balance.

The Follow-Up Questionnaire asked in what ways, if any, has the Health Event had an

impact other than participation on the day. 15 members of staff responded to this question;

their responses are given in full below.

Established problem of low blood pressure [this female member of staff made an

appointment to see her GP following the Health Event]

Increased awareness of healthy lifestyle options [this male member of staff says he is

taking more exercise, eating more healthily, is taking better care of his health, and is

watching his cholesterol and blood sugar levels]

It was a wake up call. As a result I have lost weight and my blood pressure is now normal

along with bloods [this male member of staff made an appointment to see his GP as a

result of a high blood pressure reading at the Health Event. He says he is also taking

more exercise, eating more healthily, has started circuit training, is drinking plenty of

water, has started walking twice a week to improve his blood pressure, is getting regular

medical checks, and is taking better care of his health]

Raised my general awareness of my health [this female member of staff says that she is

taking more exercise, eating more healthily, and drinking plenty of water]

More aware of the importance of health checks and the benefits of personal therapy

sessions [this female member of staff has made appointments to have complementary

therapies following the Health Event, and has also made a number of general changes to

her lifestyle]

Provision of the Fitness Suite in School has made a fitness regime more accessible for

me [this male member of staff says he is taking more exercise and has started circuit

training. He is also eating more healthily and is generally taking better care of his health].

Raised awareness and highlighted the importance of planning [this male member of staff

has made a number of lifestyle changes, including starting circuit training and walking].

Opened my eyes [this male member of staff has made a number of lifestyle changes].

More attention to personal health [this male member of staff has started circuit training

and taking better care of his health].

Greater awareness and appreciation of general health [this male member of staff says he

is taking more exercise, eating more healthily and generally taking better care of his

health].

It has helped me to relax and look after myself [this male member of staff is taking more

exercise and eating more healthily].

Enjoyment of yoga, and plan to take it up [this female member of staff has already made

lifestyle changes, including taking more exercise, making appointments for


complementary therapies, and eating more healthily].

It highlighted the ever-increasing importance of looking after health [this female member

of staff has made changes to her diet and started walking twice a week].

General improvements in diet and more exercise [this was confirmed in the lifestyle

changes this female member of staff noted to the earlier question].

Made me more aware of my own health [this female member of staff has made changes

to her diet, and is watching her cholesterol and blood sugar levels].

One female member of staff noted “I was given an inaccurate result for my BMI reading, and

was advised incorrectly by the member of staff present”. This feedback has been emailed to

both the Keito Machine pharmacists and the Top of the Rock healthy Living Centre member

of staff present on the day.

8 staff members chose to give additional comments about the Health Event. Their responses

are given in full below.

It was a fantastic day! Thank you.

More days such as this please.

A good idea; this should be an annual event.

An excellent day, could use another one today.

More of the same.

More half days like this for staff.

Should be an annual event.

More events based on health for pupils.


COMMENT

The opportunity to carry out this follow-up to the Corpus Christi Health Event has been

beneficial. More often than not it is difficult to be able to capture the short to medium-term

impact of Health Events (due to the fact that they are attended by people coming from

different places and contact data is not taken on the day). The approach taken by Corpus

Christi College to enter into a longer-term partnership with Healthy Hearts in the West (rather

than a one-off event) included a willingness to carry out a follow-up questionnaire to

ascertain the impact of the Health Event for staff.

What stands out from the staff follow-up is that the Health Event had a significantly higher

impact on staff choices about healthy lifestyles than initially anticipated from the Evaluation

Form completed at the end of the Health Event. Very often when evaluation forms are

completed at the end of an event people are over-optimistic about what they intend to do as

a follow-up; or the demands of ‘real life’ prevent them from putting good intentions into

practice. What appears to be the case with the Corpus Christi staff is that reflecting on the

information gathered, the health checks, and the taster sessions has led people to make

choices and take action to improve their health.

Another possible reason for the uptake in healthy lifestyle choices is that staff have taken on

healthy options and opportunities together. This includes accessing the new Fitness Suite in

the School – before or after the School day; or eating healthier lunches in the staff room.

At a follow up meeting (24th April) between the College Principal, the Head of Pastoral Care,

the HHW Coordinator, and the HHW Evaluator / Researcher a number of elements were

noted that it was felt contributed to the success of the Staff Health Event:

The survey completed by staff relating to the College staff development programme iden-

tified health and welfare – so therefore the Health Event was timely

On the day it was billed and presented as a Health Event with a fun element (including

don’t wear a suit in to work that day)

It was not regimented, staff were encouraged to take part in the activities that interested

them

The way the Health Event was ‘sold’ to staff; management were not telling staff what to

do, it was offered as an Event that provided taster sessions, health checks, and infor-

mation for the benefit of staff .

A number of outside agencies that came in to the College, offering a number of different

things to do. There was variety and movement between the activity stations.

It is strongly recommended that a follow-up Health Event is offered to staff during the 2013 –

2014 academic year.


FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

The College has taken a whole school approach to health and has looked at practical ways

to support staff healthy lifestyles. For example, three members of staff have had time off

school to attend GP appointments as recommended at the Health Event. The School Fitness

Suite (funded by Active Communities, Extended Schools and other small grants) is on site

and open to staff before and after School. One person specifically noted in the Follow-Up

Questionnaire that having this facility on-site “has made a fitness regime more accessible”.

The School has developed a number of health opportunities have already been initiated for

pupils:

Installation of six outside table tennis tables – pupils could buy table tennis bats for £1

each (less than 50% of the price) and give them a ball. By the end of April the School

had sold 116 table tennis bats to pupils.

Introduced Mountain Biking and Basketball opportunities for pupils.

Pupils who never previously been interested in physical activity are accessing the Gym

in their free time.

A programme was commissioned through the Active Communities Coaches for Year 9

pupils; however this was a somewhat frustrating experience as the Coaches only came

twice.

The Principal has said that all new physical activity opportunities offered to pupils will be in

addition to the timetables PE lessons. He is also interested in the potential for pupils to

engage in a health cooking and eating programme. It has been agreed to start with a pilot

programme for pupils starting in Year 8 in September 2013, and those moving into Year 9. To

this end, the new pupils staring in September completed a short health questionnaire

focusing on physical activity and diet and nutrition (adapted from the Fit Kids Survey). Pupils

in Year 9 will also complete the same questionnaire at the start of the new school year (it is

possible that the survey will be administered to all pupils in the school). The data from the

questionnaires will help to inform the pilot programme activities.

One element of the pilot programme that is currently being explored is to link in with the

School Nursing Team. Every child in P1 and P8 is given an appointment for an assessment

with the School Nurse. The Chief Executive of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has ex-

pressed a willingness to consider a pilot, where outcomes recorded by the School Nurse

may be measured and reported; and shared with the HHW / Corpus Christi pilot programme.

A review of the Ballymena Academy approach and the British Heart Foundation Olympic

Legacy will be drafted by the HHW Evaluator Researcher. Opportunities for programmes

through Active Communities Coaches will also be considered. This data will inform Corpus

Christi about physical activity options within the pilot programme.

The HHW Coordinator from the Upper Falls Hub piloted a Cook It Competition with Post-

Primary Schools (CBS, St Mary’s and Le Salle) in 2013. There is the potential for Corpus

Christi College to link in with this initiative if it runs again in the 2013 – 2014 academic year.


A parents’ questionnaire has been drafted, which may be sent home at the start of the new

school year, inviting parents of all pupils to complete and return it. Data will give a picture of

the health choices and concerns of families with children attending Corpus Christi College.

There is also potential for parental involvement in healthy lifestyles: for example involving the

home economics department, and developing a programme linking to literacy and numeracy

skills with healthy meals. The Cook-It Programme could also be delivered to parents through

the College.

There is potential to build on the School ‘Chasing Your Dreams’ initiative; inviting a sports

personality to do demonstrations and motivation with pupils. Pupils and parents can also link

into the Falls Park Run.

In May 2013 the College launched the new Fitness Suite, funded by Active Belfast, with

some additional funds sought from elsewhere. The Fitness Suite is open to staff before and

after School; and there has been a positive take-up of this new facility. There are also plans

to open up access to the Fitness Suite to:

Residents living close to the School

Staff at Our Lady home

Greater Falls Extended Schools Cluster Soccer School – young people and parents who

use Corpus Christi facilities on a Thursday.

The HHW Evaluator / Researcher will draft a short questionnaire for all adults using the

Fitness Suite which will collect Baseline data and a second questionnaire to be administered

again six months after individuals have started accessing the Fitness Suite. This process

can be put into place in September 2013.

The Principal has identified a notice board that can be used to promote heart health lifestyles.

This would be seen by both pupils and visitors. It could be used as a vehicle to promote

school heart health initiatives, external heart health events, such as the Falls Park Run, and

also general heart health messages.


APPENDIX STAFF INTENTIONS AFTER THE HEALTH EVENT, AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES MADE

Follow Up Activity

Undertaken

28th May 2013

Yes I

have

done this

I plan to

do this

Not

relevant to

me

Take more exercise 22 8 3

Made an appointment to see

my GP following

recommendation at the Event

8 7 22

Make appointments to have

more complementary

therapies

7 16 12

Join a yoga class 1 5 26

Eat more healthily / improve

my diet

27 4 4

Have more reflexology 1 4 29

Start circuit training 8 4 24

Drink plenty of water 22 6 8

More make up sessions 2 6 25

Take better care of my health 24 9 4

Start walking twice a week to

reduce my blood pressure

14 9 13

Watch my cholesterol and

blood sugar

16 9 11

Get regular medical checks 9 14 13

Follow Up Activity Plans

Identified after the Event

15th February 2012

Total

Responses

Take more exercise 7

Make an appointment to see

my GP following

recommendation at the Event

6

Make appointments to have

more complementary therapies

6

Join a yoga class 5

Eat more healthily / improve

my diet

3

Have more reflexology 2

Start circuit training 1

Drink plenty of water 1

More make up sessions 1

Take better care of my health 1

Start walking twice a week to

reduce my blood pressure

1

Watch my cholesterol and

blood sugar

1

Get regular medical checks 1

corpus christi college outcomes from the staff …€¦ · at the end of may 2013, staff at corpus...

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