Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 13:36
Update on PTS arrangements
Our Patient Transport Services have provided a much-needed resource for patients across the region for many years. It is a service that makes a big difference and one that we are extremely proud to deliver.
All our PTS contracts are for a set time frame, and a number have recently ended, or are coming to an end imminently, which means the Integrated Care Boards must go out to tender for suppliers.
However, our PTS colleagues are only able to continue providing an excellent service if there is sufficient funding to do so, and unfortunately in some parts of the region, the funding which is detailed in the new tenders means this would no longer be the case.
Therefore, in both Cambridgeshire and Peterborough (C&P), and Norfolk and Waveney, we have taken the difficult decision not to bid for the contracts going forward. This was particularly difficult in C&P, where we have provided a PTS service for 20 years.
Bedfordshire and Luton, and Herts and West Essex are contracts that we are developing with the ICBs and we hope to find a way forward that allows us to provide a PTS service in those areas that meets the needs of our patients.
As some of you may already be aware, the Suffolk and north east Essex (SNEE) contract was put out to tender in December 2022. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in that process and went on to challenge the decision. SNEE ICB then halted any progress with the changes and this week we learnt that they have now decided to void the initial contract award process and will look to retender the contract. At the present time, we still have limited detail on what the next steps may be, however, Tom Abell has spoken to colleagues affected by this and we will keep you updated as and when we receive further news.
You can read more about all of the changes here.
For everyone involved, this is a difficult and unsettling process, and we are working with local teams and their managers to provide support and advice. Please remember there is support available for you, should you need it, whether you talk to your line manager, contact the employee assistance programme on 0808 196 2374 or the EEAST Wellbeing team: wellbeing@eastamb.nhs.uk.
Speaking Up Ambassadors
Speaking up at work is not always easy, particularly if you’ve got a concern about something which you feel is a sensitive issue. This is why our Freedom to Speak Up guardians have now recruited a team of local FTSU ambassadors (FTSUA), based across the trust who are available for you to speak to in confidence.
The FTSUAs work alongside the main FTSU team. They offer a listening ear without any judgement and can provide support and guidance when you need it. A conversation with one of the ambassadors is informal, they will not raise concerns on your behalf or manage any FTSU cases, however, they will be able to signpost you to a local manager or FTSU guardian if required.
All our ambassadors went through a formal recruitment process and have received training before taking on the role. You can identify them as they will be wearing green lanyards whilst at work, or you can find a list of all the local ambassadors here. Thank you to all of our new ambassadors for stepping up and taking on this role.It’s much needed. I’m hopeful that these new roles will help us continue to drive forward with developing a Trust where we’re all happy and confident to be ourselves and feel well supported by our teams and managers.
Meeting your recruitment needs
A quick reminder that the quality improvement and professional standards team are hosting two events over the next week, focused on dealing with any unresolved frustrations you may have around the recruitment process.
The first meeting is today, 3rd August. The team are at Barton Mills for the session, but you can also contact them virtually via this link and receive a call back from a subject matter expert.
The second event is next Thursday, 10th August, and you can meet the team in person, at Kempston ambulance station or via this link from 10am on the day. For this session, the team are particularly keen to hear from anyone with frustrations related to the rostering process. On both dates, if they cannot resolve the issue with you on the day, they will set a completion date by which they will commit to have a resolution in place.
Time to Lead
Thanks to everyone who has been in touch so far, with questions, thoughts or feedback on Time to Lead, which is about improving the working lives of our operational staff to ensure frontline managers feel fully supported in their roles. We are currently in the process of working with sector leadership teams on final aspects of the structure and have asked them to nominate representatives in each sector to support the working group on roles and responsibilities for each role in the structure. If you are interested, please inform your head of operations before Monday 7th August.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to look at the current proposals, you can find the most up to date information about the project on our East24 page, and please continue to get in touch via: TTL@eastamb.nhs.uk.
Chairing our Women’s Network
It’s all change for our All Women EEAST network, as we say goodbye to current chair, Barbara Shreeve, and welcome new co-chair, Sharvari Alape. Sharvari will be splitting the role with another co-chair and the network would love to hear from anyone who feels they would like to take up the position. Summer Sekhon is also taking on a the role of events and social media officer for the network.
The AWE network is open to all women, and those who identify as women, working at the trust. The network promotes and champions inclusion and equality for women and supports them to achieve their full potential. You can contact the network directly at AWE@eastamb.nhs.uk if you’re interested in finding out more about becoming the co-chair or joining them.
Thank You Thursday
This week, it’s a thank you to colleagues from Southend.
Thank you for all that you continue to do.
Emma de Carteret
Director of Corporate Affairs and Performance
Published 3rd August 2023