NHS Wolverhampton adopts Phio to help staff recover and return to work faster

EQL has partnered with The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to introduce Phio to NHS staff. Phio will help staff access faster support, recover from musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, and get back to work sooner.

The Trust joins a growing number of public sector organisations, including Lincolnshire Police, that are turning to Phio to improve access to care for their workforce. Together, these partnerships are exploring how digital tools can make rehabilitation quicker, more convenient, and more effective for staff on the frontline.

Tackling one of the biggest causes of workplace absence

MSK conditions remain one of the leading causes of sickness absence across the NHS. For staff working long hours in physically demanding environments, injuries and strains are common. 

By giving employees immediate access to digital assessment and personalised rehabilitation, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust aims to improve recovery outcomes and keep essential services running smoothly.

Strengthening the public sector workforce

The health of the public sector workforce underpins the health of our communities. Yet absence rates remain high: in 2024, public sector sickness absence stood at 2.9%, compared with 1.8% in the private sector (ONS). For NHS staff, the figure can exceed 4% in some months (NHS Digital).

As more organisations across the NHS, local government, and emergency services adopt Phio, there will be a stronger and healthier workforce. This means more time spent caring for others and improving efficiencies in the healthcare system.

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References:

1. Office for National Statistics (ONS): Public sector sickness absence in 2024 stood at 2.9%, compared to 1.8% in the private sector. ONS - Sickness Absence in the Labour Market 
2. NHS Digital: For NHS staff, the sickness absence rate can exceed 4% in some months. NHS Digital - NHS Sickness Absence Rates

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