Staff wellbeing and professional development
Caring for those who care for us
We want NHS Lothian to have the best trained and supported staff across all healthcare roles.
We recognise that a healthy and supported workforce leads to better patient care, better individual health and more efficient use of NHS resources. We want those who are caring for us, and those closest to us, to be at their very best. Supporting the wellbeing and development of NHS Lothian staff is therefore a key priority for us.
We support initiatives and activities that enhance the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of NHS Lothian staff, working alongside NHS Lothian’s Work Well team to complement existing support and offer additional opportunities that go beyond mandatory training or professional requirements.
Our funding has enabled the commissioning of NHS Lothian’s first Staff Wellbeing Strategy, the creation of Wellbeing Spaces across NHS Lothian, the provision of a staff psychological support service, and an income maximisation service offering guidance on debt management, budgeting and welfare rights to help staff navigate any financial pressures.
Our support includes, but is not limited to:
Professional development days
Your support is funding important Professional Development Days for staff from GP practices to critical care teams across NHS Lothian. These days allow staff to reflect, learn new skills, and strengthen team cohesion in a non-clinical setting. They also gain practical tips for stress management, communication, and creating a psychologically safe space.
Providing a sanctuary for staff
Recognising how important it is for staff to find respite during their busy working day, we worked with teams at the Western General to revitalise 10 break rooms across the site. With input on colours, design and aesthetics from our Tonic Arts team, these spaces have been transformed. Staff have told us that the improvements have significantly boosted their wellbeing, enhanced morale, and provided important opportunities to recharge, which ultimately leads to even better patient care.
Outdoor spaces to rest, relax and recharge
Finding calm in a busy hospital isn’t always easy. So we’re delighted to help create peaceful outdoor spaces across NHS Lothian where staff can rest, relax and recharge during demanding shifts. From tranquil courtyards to calming gardens, these thoughtfully designed spaces, with comfortable seating, planting, and areas for therapeutic gardening, offer moments of fresh air, quiet reflection and wellbeing on the hospital site.
Harmonising wellbeing through a staff choir
Our partnership with Scottish Opera offered staff a unique opportunity to boost their wellbeing through participation in an NHS Lothian staff choir and subsequent performance at the Edinburgh Festival. Staff who took part reported feeling more relaxed, resilient, and even more innovative at work, demonstrating how a fun, creative outlet outside work can positively impact their professional lives. We work in partnership with a number of leading national experts like Scottish Opera to ensure staff have access to high-quality experiences that truly show our appreciation for the work that they do.
Connecting with nature for improved wellbeing
Our dedicated nature rangers are helping staff to find wellbeing solutions in nature. Through facilitating outdoor activities, such as mindfulness walks and engaging nature-based sessions in the many greenspaces across sites, they’re helping staff connect with the natural world. By using our Natural Health Service, we can help staff harness the power of nature to bring much-needed respite, significantly reducing stress, improving focus, and enhancing overall mental and physical health in demanding healthcare environments.
Creative activities to pause and reset
Our participatory arts and creative sessions offer staff a chance to pause, reset, and enjoy moments of calm during the working day. These activities can range from gentle mindful‑movement sessions delivered with partners like Scottish Ballet and sensory experiences with partners National Theatre of Scotland to hands‑on photography workshops, crafting sessions and other creative opportunities. Together, they provide accessible, uplifting ways for staff to step away from daily pressures and engage in something restorative and enjoyable.
Staff Wellbeing and Professional Development Featured Case Studies:
Giving staff the time, space and support to learn together: Falls Learning Conference 2025
Falls remain a leading cause of injury, loss of independence, and hospital admission among older adults in Lothian.
Supporting new training for maternity care in NHS Lothian
We were delighted to support the creation of a short film to better understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ families using maternity services.
Shaurya’s Story: Coming together to ‘be more Dhruv’ and celebrate a brother, son, friend and colleague
When Shaurya Abhi signed up for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, it wasn’t just about crossing the finish line – it was about honouring his brother, Dhruv.
A Day of Wellness and Development: Investing in staff to improve patient care
Our commitment to enhancing wellbeing support for our NHS Lothian colleagues recognises that happy and healthy staff leads to better patient care.
Find out more about available funding:
Staff Wellbeing Microgrants
Grants of up to £500 available to fund activities that support the health and wellbeing of staff.
Elsie Inglis Staff Development Awards
The ‘Elsies’ is a charitable fund which seeks to support individual NHS Lothian staff to develop their potential through learning.
Commissioning the First NHS Lothian Staff Wellbeing Strategy
