A POLICE health unit has received £102,000 from the Government.

Northumbria Police's occupational health unit has received the money as part of an extra £4m being made available to forces throughout the UK.

It will help Chief Constable Crispian Strachan to implement a local strategy for a healthy and accident-free police service.

Among the strategy's main aims will be to maintain officers' health, reduce injuries and ill health, help staff to return to work and full performance after illness, and help reduce the number of medical retirements. Before announcing the national health strategy, the Home Office cited Northumbria's development of occupational health services as an example of best practice.

A review of the occupational health unit has led to the implementation of procedures aimed at managing demand and providing more efficient assessment, advice and treatment services.

Among the initiatives which the funding may be used for are a fast-track diagnosis and treatment service to refer staff on NHS waiting lists to other healthcare providers, more stress management initiatives, and the acquisition of equipment to allow more standard medical tests to be carried out.

Assistant chief constable David Warcup said: "The provision of occupational health services in Northumbria has been recognised nationally as being an excellent facility for both police officers and support staff. These services have contributed to reduced levels of sickness absence and helped staff to recuperate following illness or injury.

"This additional funding will help us achieve a healthier workforce."