By KLTV Newsdesk –

West Yorkshire’s innovative rehabilitation pathway showcased as a national model for health, employment and wellbeing

Professor Dame Carol Black has visited West Yorkshire to see first-hand how an innovative NHS programme is helping people with health conditions remain in work and return to employment through early, coordinated support.

The visit to New Mill in Saltaire highlighted the success of the Bradford District and Craven Vocational Rehabilitation Pathway, a key part of the Healthy Working Life programme, which is delivering a joined-up approach to health, employment and community support across West Yorkshire.

Currently, it is estimated that more than 100,000 people across West Yorkshire are unable to work because of one or more health conditions, underlining the importance of initiatives designed to improve health while supporting people to remain economically active.

A National Leader in Health and Work

Professor Dame Carol Black is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading authorities on the relationship between health and employment.

Her independent Government reviews have played a significant role in shaping national occupational health policy, including the introduction of the fit note, and have helped influence approaches to supporting people with health conditions to stay in or return to work.

During her visit, Dame Carol met clinicians, partner organisations and people with lived experience to hear how the rehabilitation pathway is improving employment and wellbeing through early intervention and personalised support.

Joined-Up Support for Better Outcomes

The Bradford District and Craven Vocational Rehabilitation Pathway brings together healthcare professionals, employment specialists and neighbourhood support services within a digitally enabled system.

People accessing the service receive multidisciplinary assessments and tailored support, including occupational therapy, psychological support, careers guidance and close collaboration with employers.

The programme is designed to identify barriers to employment early, helping to prevent long-term worklessness while improving health and reducing inequalities.

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the programme’s achievements, the evidence supporting its approach and how similar models could be adopted elsewhere to support national priorities around prevention, health and economic growth.

Speaking on her visit, Professor Dame Carol Black said: “Today I have seen a compelling example of how early, coordinated support can help people with health conditions remain connected to the workplace.

“The Bradford District and Craven pathway demonstrates the value of bringing clinical expertise together with practical employment support, enabling individuals to build confidence, maintain independence and achieve better health and work outcomes.

“It is encouraging to see such innovation being developed and shared in West Yorkshire and I hope the lessons learned here will inspire similar partnerships across the country.”

Six Years of Collaborative Working

Jeremy Gee, West Yorkshire Integrated Care System Rehabilitation Lead at Bradford District Care Trust, said the visit recognised years of partnership working across the region.

“Welcoming Professor Dame Carol Black is a proud moment for everyone involved in this work.

“Over the last six years, we have shown what is possible when rehabilitation, health, employment and community partners work as one team around the individual.

“This innovative pathway has been shaped by the expertise of our staff and the experiences of the people we support, helping more people with what matters to them: to stay in, return to and thrive in work.

“We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to this journey and delighted to share our learning with one of the UK’s foremost experts on health and work.”

Supporting Health, Employment and Economic Growth

NHS leaders say the programme demonstrates how closer collaboration between health services, employers and community organisations can improve outcomes for individuals while contributing to wider economic growth.

Ian Holmes, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dame Carol Black to West Yorkshire and to showcase the outstanding work of our vocational rehabilitation teams and the wider Healthy Working Life programme.

“By bringing together health, employment and community partners, we are showing how joined-up, person-centred support can help people stay in or return to work, improving health and creating opportunities for individuals and communities across West Yorkshire.”

Adam Memon, Director of Strategy at NHS England, added: “I am delighted that Dame Carol Black visited the Bradford District and Craven Vocational Rehabilitation Pathway and saw first-hand the wider ambitions of the Health and Growth Accelerator.

“The service is demonstrating how innovative, person-centred support and strong local partnerships can help people with health conditions access, remain in and return to good work.”