Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 21:06
This week's We Are EEAST Briefing and Executive Q&A was led by Tom Abell, CEO. This week Tom was joined by our Director of People Services, Marika Stephenson.
Introduction from Tom
Starts @ 0:09
Ends @ 07:23
Questions
Q1 - During the last Q&A you were asked to clarify the situation with working with non-clinical drivers and you said there would be a written piece come out about this. Nothing has been sent out yet. Please can this be clarified?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 07:29
Ends @ 07:46
Additional information from OCE - Thank you for the question and I am sorry this has not been shared. I will explore and make sure it is made available.
Q2 - At the moment, the iPads can only access EEAST intranet via EEAST WiFi or 4G. Could the Trust VPN be installed on all iPads so that we can access services from home WiFi? Some of us have no 4G signal at home!
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 07:48
Ends @ 08:21
Q3 - I can open MS Office documents on my iPad but have very limited/no ability to edit them or write new ones. I could be much more productive waiting outside hospital if I had a full 365 license on my iPad. Is this possible to enact? I appreciate that there is a cost implication.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 08:23
Ends @ 09:08
Q4 - Finally managed to get a place to complete my overdue ‘mandatory’ ALS update, only to be pulled out of it halfway through to respond to a inappropriately categorised C1 call that turned out to actually be a GP admission into hospital. Because of this I was not allocated a meal break for the day and was also late off shift. No wonder every colleague I speak to has had enough and are contemplating leaving!
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 09:11
Ends @ 10:50
Q5 - Staff have been informed that a staff member has been placed into an AGM role without going through a recruitment process? How is this fair on others who want to progress? Surely others should have the opportunity to apply or to be put into a high band role? Don't think this is fair on others.
Answered by Tom and Marika
Starts @ 11:09
Ends @ 12:25
Q6 - Thank you for the SEMT situation being sorted. Can I ask how EMTs on the Student paramedic pathway will be dealt with? Will they get SEMT a year after their EPA like their non-student paramedic colleagues? Also, do the student paras need to do the tech portfolio to get it?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 12:30
Ends @ 14:11
Q7 - In response to NCDs, can the Trust please review the difference between an NQP within their first six months not being allowed to solo. Of course, NCDs are people, but they aren't clinically trained so there would be little difference to working solo.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 14:13
Ends @ 15:01
Q8 - Do we have any idea when we will get more stability in EOC? We are on our second interim Head of EOC, and we really need someone who can drive the department forward as they want to be there, not because they have been moved there.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 15:03
Ends @ 16:15
Q9 - Did you really use the Q word?!
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 16:18
Ends @ 16:29
Q10 - I recently had to contact occy health regarding vaccination status only to be told no records exist of any vaccinations I've had since joining the trust in 2006, do we know where the records have gone?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 16:31
Ends @ 17:03
Q11 - Has there been any update on whether we will be uplifted 1% as per other public sectors pay rise agreement?
Answered by Tom and Marika
Starts @ 17:06
Ends @ 17:43
Q12 - Hi Tom, what is your 'win of the week'?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 17:45
Ends @ 20:46
Q13 - With a looming CQC inspection, I am deeply concerned about the number of changes happening all at once which is causing distress for many - Time to Lead; centralised scheduling; removal of band 5 for S-EMT and reinstating it. My perception is morale is worse than it ever has been - do we need to pause any of these workstreams and reassess?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 20:47
Ends @ 22:35
Q14 - Hi Tom, do we have any plans for talent management and succession planning routes, for fast track to senior leadership roles? We have talent bursting at the seams, but we don’t seem to utilise it appropriately at present.
Answered by Tom and Marika
Starts @ 22:37
Ends @ 25:10
Q15 - Having recently witnessed a colleague sporting a pair of the proposed uniform short, can I request these are removed from circulation?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 25:16
Ends @ 25:43
Q16 - We understand that changes need to be made to planning/scheduling but the way the consultations have been handled has left all admin disenchanted with their roles within the ambulance service. We have been made to feel completely worthless and the dirt on the shoe of the Trust. Information we have been given has changed from one meeting to the next. We need to have all job descriptions from both the scheduling project and Time to Lead in order to make an informed decision, but this is not happening. With only approximately 4 weeks left, can you explain why the information on the roles we are able to apply for is not available?
Answered by Tom and Marika
Starts @ 25:46
Ends @ 26:45
Q17 - With TTL, within EOC we have not had any conversations with senior management. Staff have frequently asked for conversations on the structure. Whilst Ops have had opportunities and had open discussions which has resulted in a change to the structure. From an EOC side, we feel we are going to be 'told' what our roles are and not have any options to discuss any issues.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 26:51
Ends @ 28:05
Q18 - There's rumour that Red Bull will terminate Sergio Perez contract early with a replacement already known. What's your thoughts on this?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 28:07
Ends @ 28:31
Q19 - Managers who frequently respond with blue light lease cars are getting more concerned that rumours are going around we will be losing these? This is not just for Ops but EOC. Wouldn’t this reduce our ability to respond to patients and also incidents for scene support?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 28:32
Ends @ 29:07
Q20 - The look of staff wearing shorts is really unprofessional - was it agreed by the IPC team? What if staff go to an RTC, surely there is a risk of injury when working over crumpled metal/glass - who is liable, the Trust for supplying said shorts? Do think wearing of shorts should be revoked? Thoughts?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 29:09
Ends @ 30:25
Q21 - It's also really positive to seeing yourself out and about Tom! Is there chance for this message to be passed down the leadership chain, be lovely to see GM/AGM out within their teams too!
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 30:28
Ends @ 31:10
Q22 - Tom - please can you personally lead and/or sit on some of the centralised planning meetings as from my experience, a large cohort of admin staff are feeling extremely bashed and bruised. It shouldn't need the CEO to be involved, but if you truly care about our people (which I believe you do), you really need to hear firsthand about how this is affecting people.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 31:12
Ends @ 32:25
Q23 - In relation to the Cambridge 5%, I appreciate it is for recruitment however do the Trust feel it is not unfair for staff within bordering localities being pulled crossed without financial benefit? Many individuals within South Cambs travel in from outside of the locality, I see little difference between these individual and out of area crews. Just a thought to raise as this hasn't gone down very well with crews in bordering localities, especially when we end up in Cambridge almost every shift at the moment. It would be more beneficial on a personal basis for us all to transfer into Cambridge since we are basically being used as their own crews.
Answered by Tom and Marika
Starts @ 32:27
Ends @ 33:58
Q24 - Tom, I would like to highlight Claire Fuller the Mid and South Essex Mental Health Nurse lead who is also running the MHJRC Trial. Fantastic resource that is very much needed. She is doing a fantastic job collating the information.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 34:02
Ends @ 34:41
Q25 - Hi Tom, I'm due to start a self-funded Masters in Advanced Practice Critical Care. I've been hunting for the last few months for the critical care portfolio and how this extra training would be used/wouldn't be used within EEAST. I've discussed this with sector leads/GM/Head of Ops with no success. Any ideas where to go with this?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 34:42
Ends @ 35:32
Additional information - Learning and Development LandD@eastamb.nhs.uk.
Q26 - Have we ever reviewed the Make Ready processes? Is it true value for money with a team which appears to be very top heavy with management/team leaders? Are we really seeing efficiency savings that results in more 'on the road' time for ambulances in real terms - I would argue that we are not seeing this benefit as it was initially sold. Appreciate the work Make Ready do, but not sure it is doing as expected.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 35:34
Ends @ 37:03
Q27 - Is it correct that secondments lasting over 12 months, should be offered to those people as a substantive post?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 37:05
Ends @ 37:16
Q28 - Can we run a pilot for succession planning with a group of individuals in the first instance, whether this goes through a selection process or nominated, for those looking to get to board level, senior management level, first line leadership, and tier it in such a way.
Answered by Tom and Marika
Starts @ 37:18
Ends @ 38:12
Q29 - Will I get paid extra if I get sent across the border to Cambridge?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 38:13
Ends @ 38:34
Q30 - My local station is not a make ready hub, nor does it have the space or facilities to become one. With more and more VDI requirements, mandatory equipment tests and would it be possible to discuss allowing more time for frontline crews to complete their legal checks during VDI period alongside restocking equipment, refuelling etc. Thank you.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 38:35
Ends @ 39:57
Q31 - Is there a reason why the Duty Managers in EOC aren’t allowed to attend the operational commander courses when they are the start of the initial Command and Control of an incident - it now has been changed to ONLY operational staff can be commanders. This isn't portrayed nationally or in the Manchester Arena Inquiry and leaves EEAST at risk in any further inquests. Are you aware the Trust is holding this Risk?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 40:00
Ends @ 40:55
Q32 - Great news what Terry has done re payment for Cambridge staff but could it be considered “our staff“ who live in Cambridge be considered to, even if they don’t work at Cambridge station but work elsewhere in the Trust, as the costs are the same for all our staff who live in Cambridge? Thanks.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 40:58
Ends @ 41:21
Additional information from Marika Stephenson - We can build this into the additional work we are doing.
Q33 - Hi Tom, just a feed forward. Is there any way to enforce AEMT/ECA are guaranteed mentor shifts with their assigned mentors. Many at the moment, are getting a new mentor each shift, which is affecting continuity and standards.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 41:22
Ends @ 42:30
Q34 - Any update on the coronation medals? Thanks so much.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 42:33
Ends @ 42:56
Additional information - Thank you for the question - the medals have been ordered and the DHSC have advised they will be ready in early 2024.
Q35 - Who are being awarded the medals, please?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 42:58
Ends @ 43:17
Q36 - Any joy getting the NCD update published? I wouldn't know how to access the sector planning managers meeting?!
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 43:21
Ends @ 43:36
Q37 - With the work in the rostering going forward. Can it please be reviewed that staff on relief travelling distances to stations have the travel time considered. E.g., a 12-hour shift with a 45-minute drive, saying we finish on time is at minimum a 13.5-hour shift... which we all know we rarely finish on time.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 43:39
Ends @ 44:39
Q38 - Hi Tom, West Suffolk HUB… will current rotas be transferred to the HUB, or will staff be given new lines?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 44:42
Ends @ 45:12
Q39 - Hi Tom, can we look at putting a multi-disciplinary team together as a think tank, to work on some issues raised, succession planning, reward etc.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 45:14
Ends @ 46:10
Q40 - Any update on how our PHP colleagues will be used to benefit from their specialist knowledge?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 46:12
Ends @ 47:13
Q41 - Can I just comment on how useful these Q&A sessions are, please continue as you are as it is truly refreshing to see the CEO willing to answer some difficult questions and I hope the CQC see this as good practice. #shortsgate.
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 47:15
Ends @ 47:51
Q42 - We miss many of our 15-minute handovers to clear times by a few seconds due to staff not being aware of the time. Would it be possible to introduce "automatic green up" unless staff have registered a delay with EOC?
Answered by Tom
Starts @ 47:53
Ends @ 48:19
Close from Tom
Starts @ 47:53
Ends @ 48:19
You can catch up on previous We Are EEAST Briefings on our Archive page. You can also catch up on Local Manager's Briefings here.
Published 14th August 2023