NHS staff in England took a combined total of 15.56 million days off work
sick between 2011 and 2012, new figures have revealed.
According to the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), the figure
is actually slightly down on the preceding twelve-month period, but still
equates to an average of 15 days absence a year per worker.
Private healthcare workers missed an average of six days due to illness during
the same period.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "We know healthier, more engaged
staff provide better care for patients."
She added that the service remains committed to promoting a healthier workplace
and reducing the number of sick days by one-third by the end of March
2013.
The figures revealed that ambulance workers recorded the highest amount of sick
days last year, while staff in higher paid positions - such as doctors - are
less likely to take time off work due to illness.
NHS private treatment news : 28 July 2012
