Unions representing health workers have hit back at an official report into sickness rates, warning that the findings were being "twisted" into an attack on NHS staff.
An independent review found that high rates of staff sickness and stress in the NHS were impacting on patient care, with annual sickness levels of 10.7 days a year per employee, 50% higher than the private sector average of 6.4 days.
Unison said it was a "disgrace" that the review, by occupational health expert Dr Steve Boorman, was being used to attack NHS workers, thousands of whom faced physical attacks in their job every year.
Karen Jennings, the union's head of health, said the underlying causes for sickness absence in the health service should be taken into account. "The Boorman report should not be used as a stick to beat hard-working NHS staff, who day in day out deliver excellent patient care. You cannot compare sickness rates in the NHS with those in the general population - it's like trying to compare apples and oranges."
Unite said it was concerned that will use the report to undermine the health service and promote the interests of private companies wanting to take a lucrative slice of NHS work.
National officer David Fleming said: "We are concerned that the issues raised in the audit will be manipulated by right-wing politicians and media commentators to further knock the NHS in a bid to pave the way for private companies to take over more health services."
The NHS Health and Wellbeing Review found that while many NHS workers drank in moderation, more than one in five of them smoked, including heavy and casual smokers. Only around half of NHS staff exercised on three days or more each week.
When it comes to staff sickness, the review found that those who worked more than eight hours a day had higher rates, as well as those who felt pressure to return to work. Women were more likely to report in sick, alongside those who had worked for the NHS for a long time.
Dr Boorman said: "While there are strong examples of good practice, staff health and well-being provision is patchy across the service. By putting staff health and well-being at the heart of how the NHS operates, we will not only help improve the working lives of 1.4 million people, but evidence suggests we will make significant savings and improve outcomes for patients."
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A Health Department spokesman said: "The NHS has a better record than lots of other organisations in the public sector, though it's very clear that there is a lot more that can and should be done. The report makes a strong case for change, and we eagerly await the conclusion of Dr Boorman's review, and the final report and recommendations which are due in the Autumn."
