Torch bearer Mike inspires hospital’s own Olympic effort (From Ilkley Gazette)

Torch bearer Mike inspires hospital’s own Olympic effort

7:00pm Monday 20th August 2012 in News

An NHS leader who served as an Olympic torch bearer visited Airedale Hospital to inspire staff taking part in their own ‘Airelympics’.

NHS Confederation chief exec-utive, Mike Farrar, ran in the torch relay through the village of Dalton.

Mr Farrar informally met with the Airedale Dodgers, the hosp-ital’s own running group, before his business meeting with Airedale NHS Foundation Trust chief exec-utive Bridget Fletcher on Friday.

The Airedale Dodgers recently staged a bed push and sold cakes at Silsden Gala, raising about £1,500 for Manorlands. They will be taking part in the Great North Run next month.

Staff at Airedale have been resp-onding to David Nicholson’s NHS 2012 Challenge, which asks them to become more involved in sport or other healthy physical activity to coincide with the Olympics.

A hospital spokesman explained improving the health of NHS staff was key to boosting morale, ensuring quality patient care and potentially helping the NHS cut sickness absence rates.

The theme of Airedale’s staff Airelympics is to ‘get active, get fit, and have fun’.

Justine Steele, director of organisational development and workforce at the hospital, said: “Each department is being asked to create a challenge, which they will host for other teams to take part in.

“We would like everyone to get something out of it – even if that is enjoying spending time with someone they have not met before.”

Events being hosted include treasure hunts, bowling, rounders matches, hula hoop contests and teddy bear walks. The project will culminate in a staff day on Wednesday, when there will be an awards ceremony.

Mr Farrar, 51, said: “I’m delighted to see staff are taking up the NHS 2012 Challenge as I do believe improving their health and wellbeing will have a positive impact on patient care – and becoming more active is one way to achieve this.

“The Olympics has been an inspirational event and a great catalyst to encourage many people, including NHS staff, to become fitter.”

Prior to working in the NHS, Mr Farrar played semi-professionally for Rochdale FC and was a fast bowler for Littleborough Cricket Club. He was appointed to the board of Sport England in April 2005.

• Anyone wishing to sponsor the Airedale Dodgers’ Great North Run team can do so at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/AiredaleDodgersGNR2012.