Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 11:27
It’s been just over six months since I started with EEAST on 1 April this year and time has flown past. I am really enjoying being part of EEAST and working with you all. Thank you for making me so welcome.
Thank you
I would like to start by acknowledging that after the extreme pressure we have been facing, we have now been able to stand down from Major Incident Standby. This is testament to all of you and your determination to provide the best possible care for our patients. Whatever your role in the organisation, it takes all of us deliver our service and I want to say thank you for making this possible.
Although it continues to be busy, I know we will all appreciate a bit of breathing space. Please do take the time to look after yourself and your own wellbeing, you are the most important part of this organisation, and we want to ensure that you are able to reach for help as and when it is needed.
Delivering as an employer
I know that there is still a great deal for us to do to ensure that EEAST is a good - and even outstanding - employer.
We all have a part to play on this journey, and as I have said previously, the culture of the organisation is delivered by all of us. Culture is made up how we react to one another, how we speak to each other, and how we deliver our part of the service to contribute to better patient outcomes. Ultimately, our culture determines how we serve our communities, both internally and externally.
I have recorded a podcast on the culture dashboard that we have developed through the Culture workstream of Fit for the Future. I would encourage you to have a listen and would welcome your thoughts and views as to how we can make things better for everyone who works and volunteers for us. You can find the culture podcast here.
All Women EEAST (AWE) go on the road
At EEAST, females and those who identify as females make up around 50% of the workforce. The AWE network wants to start positive conversations around women's health issues, look at how our health affects us within the workplace and our lives in general.
Next week (17th - 21st October) the AWE team will be visiting sites across EEAST with an events tent full of information, products and interactive learning resources, exploring every aspect of women's health.
The roadshow is open to everyone. Find out more here.
Black History Month
Many of you may be aware that October is Black History Month. This year the focus is on taking action and there are several activities taking place throughout the month that we can all be part of. You can find details of them here, and we will be sharing more information there as the month goes on. If you are interested in joining our EEAST BME network, then you can email them directly. The network adds enormous value to our organisation and its members are playing a key role in helping us shape our culture to make EEAST a place we all feel comfortable.
BME survey results
This is also the month in which we receive the feedback from the BME survey that we launched in September.
This week, a number of 1:1 interviews and focus groups are taking place to engage with colleagues and get a better understanding of their experiences, perceptions and their reality of EEAST as a place to work and learn. If you have not yet scheduled an opportunity to provide your feedback to McKenzie’s then there is still time to do, you can find the information here. It is our intention to repeat this survey next year, so we can see what you have said about the Trust today, and what we will achieve over the coming months.
I am also keen to launch similar surveys for both our Disability staff as well as our LGBTQ+ colleagues, to hear your perceptions on EEAST and how we can make it a better, more inclusive organisation for everyone.
Still time to speak up
You still have the opportunity to share your views with the National Guardian’s Office who are reviewing the speaking up culture across Ambulance Trusts in England. The final focus group takes place today, Thursday 13 October, from 1-2pm for anyone that couldn’t make the previous dates. You can sign up here.
As October is Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) month it’s an ideal time to remind you that our FTSU service is there to support you in raising issues and concerns if you see or hear something you don’t think is safe for patients or colleagues. You can find more information about the service and details of how to contact our FTSU Guardian, Janice, here.
Flu clinics now open
Our flu clinics have now opened across the Trust and you can find all the dates for your area here. Having your vaccination is a quick and easy way to look after ourselves, our patients and our families this winter so please book yours now.
Frontline staff can also book COVID-19 boosters via the NHS National Booking Service.
NHS staff survey
As you know the national NHS staff survey was launched last week. Like a lot of you, I completed mine last week and am now looking forward to receiving my Costa voucher! Everyone who completes the survey will receive a voucher for a hot drink.
It is important that everyone participates because these surveys are an excellent way for you to make your voice heard, they also help us understand what we are doing well, where we could improve, and allow us to be able to compare ourselves with other NHS organisations so we can learn from their best practice.
Just over a quarter of our people have now completed the survey, so please do take a few minutes to complete yours over the coming days.
Best wishes
Hein Scheffer
Executive Director of Strategy, Culture and Education
Published 13th October 2022