Nuffield Health is partnering with the UK government to offer 4,000 health workers who live with chronic joint conditions a free rehabilitation programme to get them back to work.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, such as arthritis or back pain, are the second leading cause of absence among staff in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). In August 2024 more than two million days were lost due to NHS staff sickness. Back and musculoskeletal problems led to more than 314,000 lost days and more than 10,000 members of staff off work.

The programme provides 12 weeks of exercise and support led by a personal trainer who has been upskilled to deliver rehabilitation programmes, followed by 12 weeks of access to Nuffield Health fitness facilities – all at no cost.

Nuffield Health’s Joint Pain Programme has already benefitted 35,000 people, with participants experiencing a 35 per cent improvement in joint pain and a 37 per cent improvement in joint function. On top of this, it prevented 86,226 sick days in 2024 and resulted in a 29 per cent reduction in doctor's appointments for people who had completed the programme.

Alex Perry, CEO, Nuffield Health said: “By offering this free programme directly to NHS staff – including nurses, porters and paramedics – we're providing them with support to recover, return to work and continue delivering essential care. This not only improves their health, but also reduces pressure on the NHS by lowering sickness absence and keeping skilled staff where they're needed most."

The health and fitness operator will work with NHS teams to identity staff suitable for the programme. It is initially being offered at 10 trusts in London, Birmingham and the north west before the wider rollout.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting is backing the initiative: “NHS staff cannot treat patients if they’re in debilitating pain themselves. This partnership with Nuffield Health will help improve quality of life for thousands of NHS staff, get them back to work to help continue to cut waiting lists. We’ll care for them so they can care for us and deliver our Plan for Change goal to build an NHS fit for the future.”