Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 22:47
With this week bringing a dramatic change to weather conditions, I wanted to start my message with a thank you to you all. The current adverse weather has brought with it challenges for many of us in terms of travel, working conditions and system pressures. Despite this, colleagues have pulled together to overcome these challenges and still deliver a service to our patients whether it be through frontline or support duties - thank you for this.
Industrial action
This week sees the planned industrial action by members of the Royal College of Nursing about pay and conditions. The first strike is planned for Thursday 15th December, followed by further action next week on Tuesday 20th December. We understand the strength of feeling around this subject, not only within the Trust but also nationally. We are currently unsure what the impact will be for us but continue to work with national partners to deliver the best possible care to our patients. We do appreciate this will add to already pressured conditions so please remember that support is available. We have welfare wagons out around the region and there is a list of additional resources on our wellbeing pages, so please make use of them. We are committed to working together to improve our working lives here at EEAST and thank you all for your constant dedication to provide the best care possible for patients, despite the challenges we face. We will continue to update you as regularly as possible.
Developing our people
In last week’s message, Hein mentioned the LOM & AGM Development Day held on 08 December at Chelmsford Ambulance Station as part of our Leadership Development Programme. I am pleased to say that the day was successful and attended by colleagues from five of our sectors, who welcomed the opportunity to meet each other and share knowledge. We received some very positive feedback from participants who said it was ‘good and provided time to reflect on skills to bring back to the job’.
Our next cohort will be in Norfolk & Waveney on 27th January and we will extend the invite cross sector again. As the Time to Lead Programme progresses, we will continue to communicate updates and gather feedback to ensure the programme remains effective and impactful. Investing in our leaders supports a sustainable programme of improvement and change, ensuring EEAST is an organisation with a culture we all want to be part of and an exceptional place to work, learn and volunteer.
We were also delighted to welcome our new team of People Partners into the trust this week. They will be working with individual sectors and departments to support recruitment and retention in those areas as well as sickness and attendance.
Appraisals
Whilst we are thinking about support and development, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you all of the shorter version of the appraisal form that has been launched. Please also familiarise yourselves with the slightly amended appraisal process.
Although we are currently under immense pressure, it is still very important that everyone within the organisation receives an appraisal. This is your opportunity to discuss your development and it is crucial that we do them well.
It’s also worth a reminder that managers must send appraisals to L&D@eastamb.nhs.uk when completed.
12 Days of EEASTmas
As a way of saying thank you to all our staff and volunteers, the 12 Days of EEASTmas was launched this week with announcements made on Need to Know. There have been lots of surprises, messages and plenty of prizes to get you all in the festive mood.
Whilst we are under increased pressure, it is important to remember to be kind to all those we interact with whether it be patients, members of the public or each other. We must remember that this time of year can be tough on people for various reasons which means ensuring all our interactions are kind, considerate and respectful all the more important. We do have support available for colleagues who are struggling, which can be found here.
Thank you Thursday
‘The service provided was excellent from start to finish. The transport staff were kind, caring and so considerate they are a credit to the service.’ From a thankful patient in north Essex PTS
Take care,
Marika Stephenson
Executive Director of People Services
Published 15th December 2022