Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 06:57
Dear colleagues,
After what has been a very difficult period, it’s really positive to see that the work being done to tackle these challenges is starting to pay off. We’re beginning to see a reduction in the number of patients waiting and our response times are also improving. This has not happened without a lot of hard work, so thank you to each and every one of you for the part you play in keeping our service moving.
I’ve also received lovely feedback from some of our stakeholders who have had the unfortunate need to contact 999 for loved ones in recent weeks. They have told me about the care and compassion you are giving to patients despite the enormous pressure you are under, so thank you for continuing to put our patients first even when it’s not been easy.
Survey series launches
This week we are launching both our LGBT+ and Disability and Neurodiversity surveys which we hope will help us to understand and tackle some of the difficulties experienced by colleagues from a number of minority groups.
The surveys have been commissioned as a result of feedback, which highlighted that historically, colleagues who have declared that they are neurodiverse, disabled, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender have had different and often less favourable experiences or outcomes working at the Trust.
I am sure that all of us want to work in an organisation that celebrates and encourages each of our unique qualities and characteristics. We all want to have the confidence to be ourselves at work, and if some of our colleagues don’t feel that way then it’s important that we take the time to find out why and address those issues for the future.
Both surveys will remain open for a couple of weeks. They are all being conducted by an external company and are completely confidential.
The feedback loop
I know we regularly ask for your feedback, and it can often be hard to see the impact it is having but let me assure you that we cannot be effective without it. A constant feedback loop is incredibly important. It helps steer our Fit for the Future Improvement Programme and highlights where you feel things are working well and, perhaps more crucially, where you feel there’s room for improvement.
The recent National Staff Survey and BME survey both closed at the end of the year. We have now received the results for both surveys and are beginning to work our way through them alongside our staff networks and other colleagues. The delay in sharing findings with you does not stem from inaction - far from it., It means we are drilling down into the data to ensure we are extracting all the relevant information and making sense of it in an effective way.
Let me end by saying that our quarterly Pulse survey is now underway and is another mechanism we use to acquire regular feedback so please click on the unique link you have been emailed and take a couple of minutes to share your thoughts. Remember, your responses to every survey will help shape our future and ensure that everyone’s experience of working here is positive and fulfilling.
Five Ways to Wellbeing
Over the past couple of years we have been working to increase the amount of wellbeing support we offer, but as well as the traditional support such as counselling and helplines, the wellbeing team also shares hints and tips that we hope will help you manage your own health and wellbeing on a day-to-day basis.
This week the team launched a new Five Ways to Wellbeing digital resource, which they hope will complement the other resources available. It offers practical advice and encouragement to remind you of some simple steps you can take to reset and recharge. I know it can be increasingly difficult to find the time to prioritise your own wellbeing, but even if it’s just reading the Five Ways information over a cup of tea, it’s a step in the right direction.
Thank you Thursday
Best wishes,
Emma
Important Trust news
FTSU Ambassadors – your help wanted
Are you passionate about creating a culture of openness and honesty at EEAST?
Do you believe you have the skills and experience to support staff who want to raise a concern?
Do you demonstrate the Trust values and behaviours?
Do you have excellent communication skills and can show empathy and compassion for others?
If you answered yes to these questions, then please consider applying for a role as one of our Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Ambassadors. The role is open to everyone, from all service areas and bandings, regardless of whether you are an employee, volunteer or student. You can find out more and apply here.
We are particularly looking for:
Staff from:
Have your say – National Quarterly Pulse Survey now live
On Monday (9th January), the latest National Quarterly Pulse Survey went live and we’re asking you to take a couple of minutes to share your views.
You should have received an email from Picker containing your unique link to the survey. If you haven’t received the link, you can find out more about the survey and complete it here. The survey is open until 31st January.
Your responses are completely anonymous so we cannot identify anyone from the answers they give. This quarterly survey runs alongside the annual NHS Staff Survey giving you a regular opportunity to provide feedback which we can then use to plan and shape the direction of the organisation for the future.
Published 19th January 2023