At the core of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust culture is the value we place on our workforce; their skills, knowledge, experience and contribution to the communities we serve. We are proud to offer our staff more than just a job – we offer them an opportunity to be part of a dynamic organisation striving for excellence which provides its staff members with benefits and support throughout their lives and careers.
We are pleased to be able to offer benefits ranging from reduced cost lease cars, flexible working and an onsite nursery to apprenticeships and development opportunities to get the most from your career with us. We understand that a career is about more than just the time you spend at work and so we aim to provide a flexible and supportive environment for our staff.
Carers/Dependant Support
Employees may be eligible for paid leave to care for a dependant. A dependant may be their child, partner, wife, husband, parent or other relative i.e. someone who relies on them for assistance in a particular emergency and/or where they are the primary carer.
Childcare Choices
The Trust supports a range of childcare options that are offered by the government. Visit the Childcare Choices website for more information and advice on tax free childcare schemes.
Maternity/Paternity/Adoption
The Trust recognises that the birth or adoption of a child is one of the most important events in the lives of their staff. The Trust has a policy that support staff and encourages a family friendly culture. If you need any advice regarding childcare, maternity/paternity or adoption please contact the HR Team at HR.
Tops Day Nursery
The nursery is tailored for staff who work at Queen Alexandra Hospital. The nursery offer a discount for PHU staff, shift pattern bookings and is based on the hospital campus. You can contact them on 02392 215786 or info.
Lease Cars
If you are thinking of getting a new car, this could make it more affordable.
The My New Car! salary sacrifice scheme provides a cost effective way to lease a brand new car, subject to eligibility. There are no credit card checks and the monthly cost will include insurance, routine servicing, vehicle excise duty, tyre replacement, breakdown cover and windscreen replacement cover. When you apply you will need your payslip and the hospital reference number ‘192’.
Find out more on the Fleet Solutions website.
Home Electronics
Love having the latest technology? The Home Electronic Solutions scheme allows you to save money on the latest home technology and spread the cost with no credit checks, deposits or hidden payments. You will have access to over 5,000 products including the latest games consoles, laptops, tablets and phones, televisions, smart technology and domestic appliances. When you apply you will need your payslip and the hospital reference number ‘192’.
Find out more on the Fleet Solutions website.
Car Parking
The Trust offer three options for parking arrangements for staff working at Queen Alexandra Hospital, subject to eligibility. These arrangements are: the free Park and Ride, On Site Parking and Out of Hours Parking. Car parking changes are deducted through your salary. Car parking charges are deducted through your salary.
Annual Leave
We offer a generous annual leave entitlement where typically most full-time staff will be entitled to 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays. 27 days will increase to 29 after 5 years NHS service and after 10 years service this will increase to 33 days. It is also possible for employees to buy and sell annual leave.
Flexible Retirement
The Trust is committed to supporting staff at all stages of their career. This is particularly important as staff prepare for their retirement while balancing their work and home commitments.
Find out more on the NHS Pensions website.
Health Service Discounts and Blue Light Card
As an NHS Employee, you are entitled to a whole range of discounts with retailers and other organisations. By joining Health Service Discounts and Blue Light Card you will receive varied and exclusive offers from money saving deals and vouchers, mouth watering restaurant vouchers, discount holidays, money off fashion fixes through to deals on gym membership, mobile phones and utilities.
Find out more on the Health Service Discount website and the Blue Light Card website.
Red Guava Benefits
Red Guava Benefits is available to all staff and provides a wide range of offers and discounts to save your money. You can make great savings on national attractions, entertainment, days out, theme parks, holidays, hotel breaks, shopping and much more.
Staff Lottery
All employees have the opportunity to opt into the staff lottery. A minimum £2 entry is paid directly from your salary and there is a monthly draw where you can win a prize up to £1,000.
If you would like to join the staff lottery, please email the team at HR.
Interest Free Season Ticket Loans
We offer interest free loans to PHU staff for the purchase of monthly/quarterly/annual ferry and rail tickets. To find out more contact 02392 286320 or email Teresa.
Commuter Travel Club
We’ve joined the First Bus Commuter Travel Club so you can save money on your commute. Sign up to receive discounted monthly bus tickets, automatic ticket renewal and unlimited bus travel for work of leisure. To find out more contact 02392 286320 or email Cashiers.
Relocation Expenses
We can offer financial assistance for newly appointed staff who as a result of their appointment need to move their main domestic residence a reasonable distance, including those staff appointed from overseas.
Staff Bank
Join the staff bank to increase your earning, work flexibly and sign up for extra shifts. By joining the bank you will enjoy several benefits including; online timesheets, weekly pay, priority over agency workers, supportive on-site teams and many more.
Find out more on the Bank Partners website.
NHS Pension Scheme
The NHS Pension Scheme is open to all NHS employees to save effectively for their retirement. Pension contributions will come out of your salary and you will see this on your payslip. There are many benefits of joining the scheme including; a pension payable for life; as your employer we will contribute an extra 14.3% of your pay to the scheme; early ill health retirement pension; and you will be covered for death benefits if you pass away which means your family may be entitled to benefits.
Find out more on the NHS Pension Scheme website.
NEST Pensions
NEST was set up by the government to ensure every employee has access to a high quality workplace pension scheme. NEST is only for staff not eligible to join the NHS pension scheme. By joining NEST you will receive your own pension when you retire, tax relief on money you put in your pension and as your employer we will also make contributions to your pension.
Find out more on the NEST Pensions website.
Ill Health Retirement
If you have been a member of the NHS Pension Scheme for at least two years, prior to either your 60th or 65th birthday (depending on which scheme), and you are unable to continue working due to ill health you maybe eligible for ill health retirement benefits.
Find out more on the NHS Pensions website.
Interest Free Loans for Visa Costs
Loans are available to assist eligible employees of the Trust with paying the costs incurred of the Indefinite Leave to Remain, visa renewals and the immigrant health surcharges.
If you would like to learn more, please email HR.
Occupational Sick Pay
In accordance with Agenda for Change, we offer sick pay from day one of service, a minimum of one month full pay and two months half pay, increasing with continuous service.
If you would like to learn more, please email ManagementTeam.
Occupational Maternity Pay
We offer maternity pay over the normal statutory amount (dependent on eligibility).
Salary Finance
Access to salary-linked loans, advances on earned pay, savings accounts and financial education. This is an option, not a recommendation. The Trust does not benefit from offering this service and all your communications will be with Salary Finance.
Find out more on the Salary Finance website.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Service
The service aims to promote and maintain the health and wellbeing of all employees and is concerned with the effects of work on health and health on work. We liaise and communicate with staff and management and maintain complete confidentiality of occupational health records.
Occupational Health
- Workplace health assessments for all new starters
- Ensuring that each employee has the correct vaccination and immune status for their role
- Screening Exposure Prone Procedure (EPP) workers for blood borne viruses such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV
- Administer seasonal flu vaccination
- Management of Needlestick/Sharps Injuries (NSI) and other contamination incidents
- Advise employees and managers regarding work related injuries/health problems such as back pain, stress and dermatitis
- Advise managers on referrals regarding issues such as sickness absence, fitness for work and ill health retirement
- Supporting and advising employees and managers on rehabilitation into work with a disability or after prolonged absence including making recommendations for reasonable adjustment where appropriate
- Health surveillance where indicated by regulations or risk assessment e.g. dermatitis, noise
- Advising managers on assessments such as for pregnant workers and Display Screen Equipment (DSE) users
- Health promotion and wellbeing activities
You can contact the team on 02392 283352 or occhealthadmin
Simply Health
Get money back towards your routine health treatments with a Simplyhealth Plan. From money back on prescriptions glasses and dental fillings, to all round body maintenance such as physio and chiropody. You can also benefit from our discounted network of gyms, 24/7 counselling and advice helplines and 24/7 access to video consultations with GP’s through our app, SimplyConsult.
- Attend your health treatment at a registered practitioner and ask for an itemized receipt
- Upload and submit a copy of your receipt on the SimplyPlan app or Simplyhealth.co.uk/login
- Get your money back in your bank account within a couple of days
We’ve got you covered from head to toe starting from £13.47 per month for NHS Staff Want to find out more? Contact the team on 03301 025325 and confirm which Trust you work for to access the NHS Plan.
Vivup Employee Assistance Programme
Vivup is the Trust’s Employee Assistance Programme provider offering a wide range of confidential support and counselling. This is available for all staff on a range of topics including work, family and personal issues including relationships and work life balance.
Cycle to Work Scheme
Cycling is a great way to commute, to get fit and feel good, as well as saving you money on fuel costs, parking, and wear and tear on your car. We operate a Tax Efficient Saving Scheme to purchase a bicycle and safety equipment. We can also provide free on site bike storage. Individual bike lockers can be rented for just £2 a month.
You can find out more on the Cycle Scheme website.
Oasis Wellness Centre
The Oasis Wellness Centre is an on site facility compromising of a gym, indoor heated swimming pool and a series of health and treatment services. Open for staff and is currently free; sessions must be booked. There is a fee for personal training sessions
For more information, please contact the Oasis Team on 02392 286000 extension 3333.
Beach Hut
We have a beach hut which is available for staff to hire free of charge. The beach hut is equipped with general items such as table, chairs, and kettle etc. - all you need for a relaxing day, enjoying the sunshine on Southsea seafront.
Fit4Work
Fit4Work is an exercise referral based programme, established for the use of exercise in the promotion of both physical and mental health. This programme has been specifically developed to improve the health and wellbeing of employees, reduce sickness absence and promote an early return to work.
Flexible Working
The Trust wants to enable staff to balance personal interests, family life and work more effectively. A range of flexible working options are open to all staff aimed at helping them achieve a healthy work life balance. The flexible working options include: part time working, temporarily reduced working hours, staggered working hours, flexi time, home working, annualised hours, job share and term time working.
Phased Return to Work
The Trust financially supports a four week phased return to work following a period of absence before the use of annual/unpaid leave is required.
Physiotherapy Direct Referral Service
A dedicated fast track physiotherapy service for Trust staff to refer directly through occupational health. All cases should be seen within four weeks and reviewed/treated as required.
Health and Safety
The Health and Safety Department provides an advisory service to Trust managers and staff to help them comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to provide a safe workplace.
Some areas of input are:
- Accident investigation
- Assisting with workplace risk assessments
- Assisting with divisions Health and Safety plans
- Training in Health and Safety e.g. hazardous substances, risk assessment etc.
You can contact the team on 02392 283641.
Display Screen Equipment
All reasonable steps will be taken to ensure the health and safety of staff who work with display screen equipment in line with the Display Screen Equipment Policy. Recommendations which may include a voucher for a free eye test may be identified for a User.
Manual Handling Advisory Service
A range of services for staff are provided such as:
- Support in complex patient handling risk assessments
- Return to work assessments following musculoskeletal injury
- Up to date training on patient and load handling
- Assist in the development of manual handling protocols for specific working areas
- Identifying ways of reducing the risk of hazardous manual handling
You can contact the team on 02392 283642.
Staff Support Service
The Staff Support Service offers a one off support session for all staff if required. Care First Employee Assistance Programme is the first point of contact for counselling for all Trust staff. Occupational Health may refer you to Aquilis for counselling following a management referral.
You can contact the Aquilis Counselling Service on 02392 283636.
Freedom to Speak Up
The Trust is committed to developing and open and honest culture where all staff should feel confident to raise concerns to their line manager or within their teams. If for whatever reason staff feel that they are unable to raise their concerns locally the Freedom To Speak Up Guardian can provide confidential advice and support.
To find out more, contact 02392 286000 extension 3642 or GuardianforStaff
Mental Health First Aiders
The Trust has Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) who support staff to look after their wellbeing and mental health. The MHFA are on hand to listen, reassure and respond to colleagues - even in a crisis and even potentially reach out to someone before a crisis happens.
To find out more, please contact 02392 286000 extension 4268 or Anita.
Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters helps you to manage and maintain your mental health. It helps us to relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. Discover simple steps for a healthier mind and create your bespoke action plan.
Find out more on the Every Mind Matters website.
Live Well
For advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing visit the Live Well webpage.
Prevention of Workplace Violence
Any act of violence or aggression against a member of our staff at work is unacceptable. The Trust is committed to tackling workplace violence and will not tolerate assaults (physical or verbal) on its staff, volunteers or contractors and has a seven point plan in place to support staff.
Chaplaincy and Multi-Faith Room
Chaplains recognise that caring for patients is demanding and sometimes stressful. We also recognise that it can sometimes become particularly difficult for staff to cope with the demands of work when personal issues are placing them under additional stresses and strains.
Chaplains offer a confidential service of listening and reflection for all staff to help them gain new perspectives on their current situation and enable them to move forward.
The Chapel and Multi-Faith room are both located on A Level next to Costa Coffee. The Multi-Faith room is available for prayer at any time with washing facilities.
You can contact the Chaplaincy on 02392 286408.
Staff Networks
Join a staff network to get more from working at Portsmouth.
Our current networks are:
- DisAbility Staff Network
- LGBT+ Staff and Allies Network
- PHU Women's Network
- Race Equality Network
For more information, please contact EDI
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a job, in a skilled occupation and requires substantial and sustained training, lasting a minimum of 12 months and includes off-the-job training linked to recognised qualifications. The Trust offers apprenticeships in a wide range of different job roles and departments including both clinical and non-clinical areas.
Coaching and Mentoring
We have a number of mentors and coaches to help you focus at work on specific skills and goals and to support future career aspirations.
Library
The Library and eLearning Services Team provides a continually updated stock of healthcare books and journals in support of evidence-based practice and research for all staff working in the Trust including students on placement.
You can contact the team on 02392 286039 or Library.
Management and Leadership Development
Our Management and Leadership Development Programmes provides a consistent approach to development for all staff in healthcare irrespective of discipline, role, function or seniority and represents the standard for leadership behaviours that all staff should aspire to both now and in the future.
Performance Appraisal
The performance appraisal allows managers to positively engage with their staff and is a continuous development process to discuss performance, values and behaviours, as well as concerns, development needs and aspirations.
Employee and Team of the Month
These awards are given to individuals and teams who have made a significant contribution to Portsmouth Hospitals, either directly or indirectly related to patient care, by going beyond the call of duty and who exemplify our core values.
Divisional and Team Rewards
Divisions and teams across the Trust have their own reward and recognition schemes to thank their staff for all their hard work, effort and dedication.
Hidden Heroes
Melloney Poole OBE, Chairman of the Trust is keen to recognise teams who are going above and beyond the requirements of their ‘day jobs’ and are in an often unseen but crucial area of the hospital. These are the people who are committed and passionate, who go about their job in a professional manner, giving their support generously to those around them and who may often be the last people to broadcast their successes.
Junior Doctor Awards
The Junior Doctor Awards recognise the dedication and hard work of our junior doctor workforce and the valuable contribution they make to high quality patient care.
Nursing and Midwifery Awards
The Nursing and Midwifery Awards are open to all Portsmouth Hospitals and Military Registered Nurses, Students and Health Care Support Workers working in Portsmouth Hospitals. A showcase of nursing excellence, these awards recognise and celebrate the individuals going above and beyond in delivering their care.
Proud to be PHU Awards
The annual Proud to be PHU Awards are an opportunity to recognise outstanding achievements, to showcase best practice, to reward those who exceed expectations or any exceptional act by individual staff and teams.
