Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 05 May 2024 at 18:42
At times when demand and delays are high, we know that one of the knock-on effects is some of you going home later than you should. I know this is horrible and stressful for so many of you, and we must do more to tackle this.
One of the ways we have been working to address this is through the end of shift pilot. This Thursday’s ‘We are EEAST’ Q and A, will focus on the initiative and Marcus Bailey and Rob Ashford will update you on the progress we are making and answer your questions, so please join us for this.
Please remember that all ‘We are EEAST’ Q and A sessions are recorded and transcribed, you can find them here.
We need your views on cannulas
I know that cannulas are an issue you raise with us regularly and we had lots of feedback on our recent ‘We Are EEAST’ Q and A where we discussed this.
As a result we are keen to understand your views on the cannulas that the Trust should be using. We know that some of you would prefer to replace the existing ones, so if you are HCPC-registered please fill in the survey, which is available here. We look forward to your feedback.
Joining forces for International Women’s Day
On Tuesday 8th March we will be celebrating International Women’s Day. This year's theme is #BreakTheBias, asking us all to call out gender bias, discrimination, and stereotyping.
We will be marking the day by taking part in a collaborative online event to celebrate, along with colleagues from the Fire Service and Police. Both Tom Abell and myself, will be presenting during the day, which is hosted by Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Essex Police, the Office of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and EEAST’s All Women at EEAST (AWE) network.
The event will run from 9.30am - 4.15pm and is open to colleagues from all the three services, regardless of gender. Book your place here.
Bullying and harassment survey
Nearly 700 people have responded to the bullying and harassment survey that was launched last week. Thanks to all of you for doing so.
It is important that we understand your experiences and whether the progress we are making is having an impact on reducing this type of behaviour, so if you have not yet done so I would urge you to take a few minutes and share your thoughts. We want to hear from people working in all parts of the Trust, staff, volunteers and students. You can complete the survey here.
Starting our journey towards carbon zero
As part of our work to reduce our carbon emissions, I’m pleased that we’ve won a recent bid with NHS England to trial three electric Rapid Response Vehicles and the associated charging infrastructure.
The funding will pay for two electric Skoda all-wheel drive cars, plus an electric Vauxhall van, their conversion to response vehicles and the introduction of 22kw chargers in Bedfordshire and Essex.
One of the Skodas will be used as a ‘standard’ RRV. The second will be used in a similar role with our other blue-light partners (RAF, Fire and Police), initially in Bedfordshire, but later in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Essex, as different programmes and infrastructure configurations are tested. The Vaxhaull Vicaro-E van will be trialled in various roles, including as a fall’s response vehicle and a mental health response vehicle.
Our EDI networks need you!
We currently have a number of vacancies for leadership roles within our Equality Networks. Our networks play a vital part in ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and helping us to deliver change to make us a more inclusive place to work. You can find more information and details of how to apply here.
Welcome to Kate Vaughton and Martin Short
Next week we welcome two new colleagues to the Trust. Kate Vaughton is our new Director of Integration, working with our partners and the newly formed integrated care systems to ensure that EEAST influences the direction of these new organisations and the development of new ways of working and service delivery for patients with our partners across the region. Click here to read more about Kate.
Martin Short will also join us as the permanent leader for our Wellbeing Service. He will be adding to his team over the coming months as we continue to increase the level of support that we are able to offer you.
Vaccine Q and A postponed
As mentioned last week, the proposed legislation around COVID vaccination as a condition of deployment (VCOD) is now being reconsidered at Government level. We are pausing further action around VCOD until we receive clarification. You can find the link to the last Q&A session here. Future sessions are now postponed until further information becomes available.
Once again, a heartfelt thank you for everything you are doing and please stay safe.
Marika Stephenson
Director of People Services
10th February 2022