Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 09:28
This week's We Are EEAST Briefing and Executive Q&A was led by Tom Abell, CEO.
Introduction from Tom
Starts @ 00:10
Ends @ 06:46
Questions
Q1 - I have recently heard some horrendous and very credible rumours of illicit drug usage from staff before work and apparently at work when tired. One example was someone that felt too tired to drive, asked their crew mate to drive, went to the toilet and came out less than a minute later bouncing around like tigger. This is extremely dangerous one for driving and two for clinical decision making. Not only that but driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs breaks road traffic regulations. Would you look into compulsory drug testing as this is unfair that colleagues are being put a risk due to the self-minority that are taking illicit drugs. CDT would have a two-pronged effect catch the users and act as a deterrent as they won’t know when this is to happen.
Starts @ 06:53
Ends @ 08:34
Q2 - We were promised the official stance on working with NCDs would be attached to the video of the last exec briefing. This does not seem to have been done. Is there a reason why this is still not being shared?
Starts @ 08:36
Ends @ 08:49
Q3 - For the second time in as many weeks EOC's have gone into lockdown due to a D&V outbreak. One of the suspected reasons for these outbreaks is that people are coming into work with symptoms, so they don't lose their incentive payments. When you first joined us you stated on one of these sessions that the whole incentive scheme was being reviewed, but there doesn't appear to be any noticeable changes. Can we please consider scrapping it totally, not just due to this recent issue but also due to its unfairness to staff.
Starts @ 08:53
Ends @ 09:43
Q4 – Good afternoon, is there any update on rolling hours being visible on GRS please? Previous info said this would be available in August. Many thanks.
Starts @ 09:44
Ends @ 10:34
Q5 - Hello Tom, I hope you are well. Is there a chance you could provide an update in regard to the AEMT off the job hours repayment. When is the likely payment date? And also, can you provide an update in regard to EMTs progressing to SEMT. As staff are experiencing issues booking onto a PED course. Is it likely that an extension on the qualification deadline to be extended by 3 to 6 months to account for the delay in new provider provisions, as many people have passed on SEMT without needing a PED course that were on later cohorts than others. Many thanks.
Starts @ 10:36
Ends @ 12:24
Additional information from OCE - HR are working on a guidance document which will be published in September.
Additional answer from Dr Hein Scheffer - If an NQT was due a SEMT uplift but had not completed a PEd course (through no fault of their own), then following a similar process as the NQP’s (Newly Qualified Paramedic) their pay would be back dated to the uplift point. NQT’s (Newly Qualified Technician) have two years, in this preceptee phase so I would hope they have managed to complete a PEd course in this time, however, understand that due to the way qualification occur, some are going to be closer to the two-year point than others and may be affected.
We are currently building an NQT tracking database, which will enable us to identity the NQT’s that need prioritising for PEd courses due to the proximity to their uplift date. There is also further work being carried out by the CPS (Clinical Practice Specialist) team to embed NQT’s and the preceptorship within EEAST further.
Q6 - Given the recent announcement regarding a new TOC team being based in Norwich EOC; will there be any form of engagement session for current TOC staff due to the concerns they have raised? Has any thought gone into how this Norwich TOC will operate effectively and appropriately? Will there be any impact on the current TOC rota?
Starts @ 12:27
Ends @ 13:20
Q7 - Cambridge recently received a 5% enhancement due to the extortionate cost of living in the area. Will any other areas be considered to also receive the enhancement?
Starts @ 13:22
Ends @ 14:33
Q8 - Do we have any update on EOC time to lead and the future of the TOC and what it will look like or where we will be with TOC roles? Many of us are very concerned for our jobs.
Starts @ 14:36
Ends @ 16:29
Q9 - Can I ask why Norwich is the EOC getting a TOC? Manchester arena learning says we should collocate, not split up across the areas. This is a massive concern and I think it goes against the learning from the incident.
Starts @ 16:31
Ends @ 17:17
Q10 – When the Trust encounters a surge in calls, is there a standard way that frontline staff are contacted asking if they could help? Although I do see the odd email from a LOM, for those of us who are flexible in station location, we are blind to any calls for help locally. Would be good for a text/email to go out to a distribution list.
Starts @ 17:19
Ends @ 18:21
Q11 - Will the EOC Time to Lead substantive recruitment for new posts and posts where people are seconded be run externally akin to the successful external recruitment that happened in A&E ops so that it isn’t just ‘jobs for your mates’?
Starts @ 18:23
Ends @ 19:55
Q12 - Do we know when the CQC will be in Tom?
Starts @ 19:56
Ends @ 20:39
Q13 - So are Apprentice Techs going to be paid for having to do their portfolios in their own time?
Starts @ 20:41
Ends @ 21:37
Q14 - Good afternoon. Can you please confirm whether those EMTs on the Tech to Para pathway with Cumbria University are required to complete the NQT portfolio to reach SEMT alongside their peers who are not on the pathway? Surely this would be an immense amount of work on top of their university course to expect them to complete this too. I agree the PEd course should be completed, but can you confirm about the portfolio. Thank you.
Starts @ 21:39
Ends @ 22:29
Q15 - Are the enhanced area payments for frontline staff only please?
Starts @ 22:31
Ends @ 22:51
Q16 - Why are we not leveraging our existing strengths by providing support to and bolstering our Tactical Operations Centre (TOC) in Chelmsford, akin to the practices adopted by other Ambulance Trusts following the Kerslake report? Given my lack of confidence in the Senior EOC team and the EOC Resilience Manager, I'm concerned about the decisions being made and their detrimental impact on the Trust's future progress. A few things that prove this is like the relocation of CCD out of TOC (which has been absolutely disastrous) and now another TOC team in Norwich? Why is this being allowed to happen? Why are we as a Trust so apprehensive about a single Tactical Operation Centre in Chelmsford?
Starts @ 22:54
Ends @ 24:00
Additional information - There is an EOC Business Continuity & Resilience Manager, but not a Resilience Manager - this is a separate function from the Resilience & Specialist Operations Department and is specific to the EOC team.
Q17 - Is Time to Lead coming for PTS and corporate?
Starts @ 24:01
Ends @ 24:58
Q18 - I understand this has been covered a few times before but no local changes have been seen. 1. Are EMTs allowed to staff an RRV? 2. If they are can comms be pushed to every locality to update them as some areas are still being refused the ability to complete RRV familiarisation as it is only allowed for paramedics. 3. Can this be looked at centrally to allow our Trust policies to be enforced across the trust. Many thanks.
Starts @ 25:02
Ends @ 25:45
Q19 - Is there any way of putting a boarder in place to stop crews being sent out of area during shift? On many occasions I have had a two-and-a-half-hour drive back to station in Hertfordshire after finishing late, this always seems to happen on night shifts.
Starts @ 25:50
Ends @ 27:30
Q20 - F1 race this weekend. What are your views on Lance Stroll? Rumour has it he's thinking about switching to tennis as he struggling to compete with Fernando Alonso.
Starts @ 27:32
Ends @ 27:59
Q21 - It seems like Norwich EOC is getting a lot of attention. Can you confirm that Chelmsford and Norwich are not being phased out?
Starts @ 28:04
Ends @ 28:45
Q22 - Why are we now hiring Team Leaders on band 6 rather than additional LOMS?
Starts @ 28:47
Ends @ 29:55
Q23 - TOC is obviously a hot topic today, but can I ask if we can review which portfolio TOC sits in. We are based in an EOC, but we don’t just carry out EOC functions. We manage day to day service delivery and per glance and service engagement. Would a move to operations or performance and improvement not fit better?
Starts @ 29:58
Ends @ 30:33
Q24 - In terms of the new trainee ACP role, it is amazing that the Trust is doing this. But in this round of recruitment, it has been noted some individuals were offered places prior to the shortlisting submission dates... this is not fair and does not display equal opportunities for those who applied.
Starts @ 30:35
Ends @ 31:23
Q25 - All teams other than Norwich EOC are being moved to new premises, is Chelmsford and Bedford going to be discontinued and move to a singular estate. Giving two EOCs, the communication is horrendous, and rumours are rife.
Starts @ 31:26
Ends @ 32:38
Q26 - Once again I feel that the end shift protection study has fallen by the wayside, no information has been coming forward. With the coming changes in C2 coding will the end of shift despatch criteria be looked at, i.e., only the highest priority C2 in the last hour?
Starts @ 32:40
Ends @ 33:26
Q27 - Is TOC a necessity? We have a lot of DTCs being paid 8a, plus anti-social and overtime yet the local terms and conditions handbook states 8a should not get this. It feels like one rule for one etc.
Starts @ 33:29
Ends @ 34:23
Q28 - Can we ensure that all hospitals have a surge plan in place to cope with large numbers of ambulances arriving in a short time frame? At the moment we are regularly waiting over 45 minutes to book in and hand over before being told that our patient is to be offloaded to the waiting room.
Starts @ 34:25
Ends @ 35:24
Q29 - You mentioned earlier about the expected winter pressures. I know we tried the voluntary staff responder scheme but has any consideration been given to a paid staff responder scheme, other Trusts have a paid scheme where staff respond in their own cars some are able to drive under emergency conditions. Having a paid scheme would have a larger uptake and help with the expected pressures.
Starts @ 35:26
Ends @ 36:02
Q30 - Can we please have volunteer responders who are allowed to drive in RRVs on blues like London? This has been asked several times. This I believe would help over winter.
Starts @ 36:05
Ends @ 37:13
Q31 - Can I ask why some roles you have to be qualified Tech or Paramedic (example the Resilience Manager role that’s currently out) it’s soul destroying for non-clinical staff who inspire to work in these types of roles which means I’m now having to look for these types of job outside the Trust!
Starts @ 37:15
Ends @ 38:53
Q32 - Are the EOC lockdowns being led by IPC?
Starts @ 38:54
Ends @ 39:11
Q33 - In what seems to be yet another attempt to demoralise staff (is there an EEAST award for this) can I ask why staff in the MSE locality are being sent to mandatory annual training out of their area? Staff in SE going to Chelmsford and Mid staff going to Southend, listening to staff discuss this it is only lowering morale even further.
Starts @ 39:12
Ends @ 40:20
Q34 - Any update on what the Trust is doing around the Norfolk and Norwich hospital? It has got to the point of disgrace the question was asked previously but it has got worse since then.
Starts @ 40:22
Ends @ 41:49
Q35 - I hear there’s a matron joining Norwich EOC as SOCM when will this be released? As again we’ve not been told.
Starts @ 41:53
Ends @ 42:20
Q36 - As mentioned a couple of questions above... Career progression to different roles often require a clinical paramedic qualification. Why do non-paramedic staff not understand they can become Paramedics prior to doing these other roles?
Starts @ 42:22
Ends @ 43:08
Q37 - Thank you for answering the question with regards to being out of area on night shifts, I appreciate patient safety is high but what about crew and staff safety? This has increased massively since the change in rotas, since building “better rotas” crews are out of area most night shifts. If we are out of area at the end of shift with a long distance to travel back, are we able to leave the DSA at the closest station and the Trust pay for a taxi to get the crew back to station? This would be the safest measure for crews and staff.
Starts @ 43:10
Ends @ 44:59
Q38 - What is the Trust's stance on PAS having their break on Trust stations? This has been increasing. With respect to our PAS colleagues, it changes station dynamics and some staff feel it is harder to feel property is safe if we have external staff on base who have not been issued smart IDs.
Starts @ 45:02
Ends @ 45:51
Additional information from OCE - The use of stations by our PAS colleagues is authorised within their contract with the Trust. If you have concerns regarding your property on station we would ask you to either speak to one of your local management or to either FTSU or OCE and we can investigate this.
Q39 - Has the 45 offload had much impact on DSA availability?
Starts @ 45:54
Ends @ 46:50
Q40 - Does the 45-minute handover framework happen at any hospitals? It certainly isn’t at the N&N.
Starts @ 46:51
Ends @ 47:08
Q41 - It is clear from all the queries about TOC on this session, and the fact you are not aware of any proposed changes, show that as a Trust we do not communicate effectively with our staff, leading to rumours, Chinese whispers and disgruntled staff. It is fully appreciated that you make attempts to engage with staff, unfortunately you are being let down by certain senior members of staff who do not do so.
Starts @ 47:11
Ends @ 49:11
Q42 - Can a band 6 paramedic working on an RRV put a job ‘back on the stack’ after assessment for a crew to attend later in the shift and the RRV leave scene? Some dispatchers allow this and some state it has to be done through CAL.
Starts @ 49:14
Ends @ 49:35
Additional information - A Paramedic can do this, NQP's and non-registered clinicians have to go through CAL and is also dependant on the CSP level.
Q43 - Can I ask please why CCD and ICD have been separated? The two roles work closely together and to collocate makes more sense. Especially in light of the Manchester enquiry
Starts @ 49:37
Ends @ 51:11
Q44 - Following the learning from recent incidents both nationally and internationally, what is the Trust doing to expand the current Trusts EPRR team? In comparison to other ambulance Trusts and other category one responders the Trust has a significantly smaller department with a larger geographic area and the lack of investment is likely to have a consequential impact on staff wellbeing and morale.
Starts @ 51:13
Ends @ 52:23
Q45 - Unfortunately after going through two Fiat's on our last shift, we then had no more DSA's available to use. I therefore finished 1 hour earlier, and the LOM said I cannot claim for the entire time. Is that correct? If a staff member finishes early through no fault of their own, and there are no other tasks needed to carry out - are they entitled to claim for the whole shift?
Starts @ 52:27
Ends @ 52:59
Q46 - Tom why are we not undertaking cultural work within the EOCs and continuous improvement…
Starts @ 53:01
Ends @ 53:34
Q47 – I’d like to thank the Trust for all of the CPD opportunities I have seen advertised. It’s really nice to see such a variety of courses where before there was no program of events at all. How can I feedback on what I think would be some CPD sessions we should have access to?
Starts @ 53:35
Ends @ 54:02
Q48 - Afternoon Tom, congrats on your anniversary with EEAST. With the CQC due, are there any plans to reintroduce the uniform and IPC audits please? We see an increasing number of frontline staff (male and female) with ear-discs, hoop earrings, long brightly coloured gel nails, and nose septum rings. This makes it increasingly difficult for our LOMs to keep our professional standards up as a credible uniformed service. Dirty boots on crew room tables (where staff eat) and sofas is another issue…
Starts @ 54:05
Ends @ 55:05
Q49 - The direct 111 referral application has gone live in Norfolk... when is it coming to the rest of the Trust? I am an EMT and often spend 3 to 4 hours on scene awaiting 111 call backs following CCORD advice.
Starts @ 55:08
Ends @ 55:40
Q50 - Can I ask why the new ARP MDT is only being trialled on a number of days in Stevenage? Surely one truck on every station would give the better feedback and better data collection for full rollout across the Trust.
Starts @ 55:42
Ends @ 56:11
Additional information - The new MDT requires a new bracket in the DSA and therefore rolling out a trial MDT to each station would not be possible due to the timescale and availability of spare fleet to allow this work. We will however, send your feedback to the Digital PMO team for review going forward.
Q51 - Can you ask the new CEO @ the NNUH look at the "pit stop" system. It really is the pits, and cause the flow to stop, seriously though a patient and I got trapped in this system for nearly an hour. Not the best experience for anyone.
Starts @ 56:12
Ends @ 56:46
Close from Tom
Starts @ 56:47
Ends @ 57:30
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Published 28/08/23