Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 03 May 2024 at 18:31
I want to start with another heartfelt thank you. Wherever you work in the Trust you really are making a difference, enabling us to care for our patients despite the continued challenges we’re facing this winter. And, although staff sickness is still higher than we would like, our figures for COVID-related sickness are reducing, which we hope will ease the pressure a little.
We are currently at REAP 4 and I am aware that this means not all of you will have been able to complete your Essential Care Skills Training. We are addressing this from next Monday (17th January) offering a one-day training programme. Initially we will prioritise those people who have waited longest for training. Your manager will confirm with you the plan for taking people out of the service to complete the training programme between now and the end of June.
Updated COVID guidance
You will probably be aware that guidance on COVID testing, and isolation periods has changed once again. From 11th January in England, people who receive positive lateral flow test (LFT) results must self-isolate immediately but will no longer need to take a PCR test.
In addition to this, please be aware that:
We have updated our action cards and guidance on Need to Know, including guidance for staff who have tested positive, you can find the information here.
Taking the pulse
Thank you to everyone who participated in the National Annual Staff Survey in November. Nearly half of you (48%) completed the survey and we will be sharing the results in March.
As well as the Annual Staff Survey in November, all NHS trusts are now required to run three National Quarterly Pulse Surveys (NQPS) in January, April and July. The aim of the Pulse Survey is to gather staff views more frequently and track the impact of any improvements more quickly.
The latest NQPS survey is now open and will close on 31st January. You can complete the survey by clicking here. Please do take the time to share your views about what’s working well and what we could improve upon. The results will be published on Need to Know and discussed locally.
Cultural ambassadors launch
As part of our on-going work to improve the Trust’s culture, we are pleased to announce that we have recruited a number of volunteer Cultural Ambassadors from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
The Ambassador’s received specific training to sit as part of investigation teams, members of decision-making panels for grievances and disciplinary hearings involving a BAME member of staff, or on recruitment interview panels for roles of band 6 and above.
The Ambassadors will play an important part in ensuring that all our people have a really positive experience of working at EEAST and are able to advance their careers. Throughout the coming weeks we will be introducing you to our Cultural Ambassadors, sharing more about the role and, answering any questions that you may have, so keep an eye on Need to Know for more information.
Once again, thank you for everything you are doing and please stay safe.
Marcus Bailey
Chief Operating Officer
13th January 2022