Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 02 May 2024 at 08:22
Coping in the heat and looking after your well-being
Firstly, a huge thank you to all of your who have had to work through the extreme heat over the last few days which has placed huge pressure on our services, alongside those of our NHS and other blue light partners.
It’s important that we look out for each other, whether it’s during hot weather, difficult times, or just a normal workday, supportive colleagues can make all the difference. The recent clinical guidance from AACE is now available here.
Please also check out the Health & Wellbeing section of Need to Know as we have some new offers coming on line. If you would like to get more involved in promoting well-being across the Trust (including commenting on our draft Well-being Strategy and receiving the Well-being Newsletter) please contact wellbeing@eastamb.nhs.uk.
Film EEAST launch
Those of you who were involved in the recent Long Service Awards will have had the opportunity to see our new film, ‘We Are EEAST’ which was used to open the events.
For those who have not yet seen it, the film is now live on our website, you can find it on the homepage. It is only a couple of minutes long and is an opportunity to celebrate our people, the fantastic work we do together as a team, and our commitment to improve.
Please have a look at it when you get time and share it with your colleagues. We should all be proud to be part of this team.
Volunteer staff responders
Following feedback from colleagues across the Trust, in the coming weeks we will be launching a trial of a staff responder scheme. Our volunteer staff responders will support the response we provide for our C1 patients, where time is vital.
The role is designed to work in partnership with CFRs, it is not looking to replace the valuable job they do in the local community. Volunteer staff responders will be equipped with the same equipment as CFRs, as well as some additional airway management tools, and will travel under normal road conditions to attend to patients.
The scheme is available to those members of staff with Level 4 Clinical Seniority and above. Staff who are level 3 and below still have the option to register as a CFR. You can find more information about the role, where the responders will be based and how to apply on NTK we will also be running a Q&A shortly on this for those of you who are interested in participating.
Pulse check
The latest National Quarterly Pulse survey is still open and runs until 31st July. If you haven’t had chance to share your views yet, then please do make the time to do so. We need as many responses as possible to get the best picture of how you’re feeling about working at EEAST. It’s an opportunity to tell us what support would make a difference to you and how motivated you feel. Remember, the survey is completely anonymous and is a safe space for you to share how you’re feeling. You can access the survey here.
Pay announcement
You’ll have no doubt seen in the news that the government has announced pay rises for NHS staff on Tuesday, the press release covering this is available here. We’re still awaiting further details from government and NHS England on how this will be implemented and as soon as we have these we will let you know.
Keep yourself updated on Fit for the Future
Fit for the Future is our overarching improvement programme covering the changes we are making to make EEAST the best it can be for its patients, communities and people under four main workstreams - Culture, People, Partnerships and Demonstrating Impact. Under the workstreams we are tackling issues that we know are important to you, such as getting home on time, hospital handovers and improving our processes.
Don’t forget, the latest monthly Fit for the Future blog and podcast are live on NTK. They’re an easy way to keep up to date with the trust’s improvement plan and find out more about how each of the workstreams is progressing. The current blog gives a summary of our first stakeholder survey and the podcast features Hein Scheffer, Executive Director of Strategy, Culture & Education talking about why developing the right culture is crucial and how we can do it.
Watch out for a new podcast featuring participants from the recent People Strategy focus groups in the coming couple of weeks.
Thank you for continuing to deliver a great service, despite the challenges of this week.
Kevin Smith - Executive Director of Finance
Published 21st July 2022