Nursery World - Childcare support retains staff in NHS

The success of childcare support in reducing staff turnover and enhancing the image of the NHS as an employer is demonstrated in an impact review published by 4Children this week. However, there are fears that the success of the NHSchildcare strategy could be jeopardised by new funding arrangements for co-ordinators.

However, there are fears that the success of the NHSchildcare strategy could be jeopardised by new funding arrangements for co-ordinators.

The review surveyed 113 health service staff in south-east London to assess the impact of the NHSchildcare strategy on improving working life. Of the staff surveyed, 87 per cent said the support had helped them continue to work for the NHS, while 95 per cent said it had helped to reduce stress. A further 96 per cent said childcare support had enhanced the image of the NHS as a good employer.

The review suggests that childcare support is a significant factor in retaining staff and reducing turnover costs. Based on the survey statistics, 4Children estimates that investment in childcare could save the NHS 23.9m per year in turnover costs in south-east London, and more than 300m nationally.

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