Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 06 May 2024 at 22:03
This week's We Are EEAST Briefing and Executive Q&A was led by Director of Nursing and Interim Chief Operating Officer Melissa Dowdeswell.
Introduction from Melissa
Starts @ 00:09
Ends @ 05:47
Questions
Q1 - Given the importance of the Men's Support Group, I welcome the roles that have been placed upon TRAC, however, at the last Q&A it was stated that this group would have the same parity as other focus groups in the Trust, it has not, and the focus is upon wellbeing only. Why will a men's group not be afforded exactly the same parity as AWE?
Starts @ 06:04
Ends @ 07:09
Additional information – The Men’s Wellbeing Network will have equal value as our other EDI networks. As with the All Women’s EEAST (AWE) network, it was identified that there were a number of specific concerns relating to men’s wellbeing that would be addressed by the network, but this in no way means that the network will not focus on other issues. More information will be shared as part of the future launch, which will happen once all positions within the network have been recruited.
Q2 - With the recent postponement of the nurses strikes due to talks with the RCN and Health Secretary, have the Trust received any intelligence if GMB and Unison are considering the same?
Starts @ 07:11
Ends @ 08:01
Q3 - Do we know any of the exemptions for strike action as yet in terms of who would be exempt etc...
Starts @ 08:03
Ends @ 08:29
Q4 - We are due holiday OT payments this month for the last 3 months of 2022. What are the plans moving forward for paying holiday OT monies?
Starts @ 08:32
Ends @ 08:59
Additional information - The finance team have advised that the payments for quarter 3 up until December will be in this month’s pay. Payments will continue with this method of quarterly in arrears for 2023/24 until the GRS upgrade is completed and allows us to complete monthly payments. There will also be an update on Need to Know next week.
Q5 - You mention advanced paramedic practice pathways - they are not in place, and we keep getting promises of new opportunities, but month after month there are none - just recruitment for those who already possess those qualifications. When are paramedics going to be offered the chance to advance to either advanced or critical care? I'm afraid without pathways, more staff will leave as GPs are offering Physician Associate masters widely!
Starts @ 09:01
Ends @ 10:52
Q6 - When will nonclinical staff be notified if they are required on strike days and is there time to get blue light training done if they have a C1 license?
Starts @ 10:54
Ends @ 12:24
Q7 - Why do front line ambulances get called to staff at EOC when there are so many front-line ambulance personnel there and then further supply them an ambulance to take EOC members of staff home from hospital.
Starts @ 12:26
Ends @ 13:17
Q8 - With the Trust looking to move over to colour coordinated epaulets in line with other Trusts. I wonder if there is an intention to have this apply across EOC staff as well, to differentiate clinical vs nonclinical staff?
Starts @ 13:24
Ends @ 14:45
Q9 - Please can all staff view and acknowledge the Urgent Staff Awareness/Security Alerts sent out to everyone today. Thank you.
Starts @ 14:47
Ends @ 15:41
Q10 - Has there been any clarity on whether we are allowed to charge our own person electric cars at ambulance stations, this question has been asked before but not sure if we’ve had an answer.
Starts @ 15:43
Ends @ 16:30
Additional information - The Estates team are developing a system to make this possible, but this will take some time. There is currently a trial in Waveney to test the infrastructure and systems required. I will ask estates for an updated timeline.
Q11 - Out of interest, how many staff are expected to strike? Is it for the whole 24hours? What areas are most impacted? Can you share the Trust's strategy. Thank you.
Starts @ 16:32
Ends @ 18:12
Q12 - There is an ongoing conversation with people who have left a SAP course getting their SEMT pay for the time they were acting as a tech while being SAP2, do we have a deadline in sight as it has been over 15 months in the making now?
Starts @ 18:14
Ends @ 19:00
Additional information - This is being agreed by the senior HR team, but they are working on getting an update on Need to Know soon - sorry it is taking so long.
Q13 - Afternoon, I thought the Trust was moving away from seconded roles, yet there seems to be a lot of secondments being advertised especially for management within Ops. Is a re shuffle of management imminent?
Starts @ 19:02
Ends @ 20:07
Q14 - Hi Melissa, I have noticed more jobs advertised at 8A-D either perm or secondments. Our teams are so stretched and desperate for dedicated admin support/business support at GM level. When will we be able to receive funding for these roles? It is no good having all the strategic roles if we cannot deliver core business.
Starts @ 20:10
Ends @ 21:14
Q15 - I am just wondering if there were any bonus payments paid to EEAST staff for working Christmas day, like was done in 2021, and if this was the same across all departments (Front line staff, Make ready, PTS, Control room staff).
Starts @ 21:16
Ends @ 21:50
Q16 - I don't know if it helps - I am an EOC clinician, and we do not have any equipment, including basic observation equipment. The only equipment on site is a first aid kit, and an AED.
Starts @ 21:54
Ends @ 22:31
Q17 - If the organisation was to restructure, would EEAST look to keep all staff in the organisation at the same band or would the organisation look at redundancies?
Starts @ 22:32
Ends @ 23:53
Q18 - Will the ECG bootcamps be available to other colleagues in addition to Paramedics - EMTs are often lead clinicians.
Starts @ 23:56
Ends @ 25:04
Q19 - We have been told we cannot share alert outside the Trust but is it going to be shared with others who support the Trust with calls such as PAS, Agency or Taxis in case the individual tries attending calls via that route?
Starts @ 25:06
Ends @ 25:51
Q20 - If some staff are able to refuel using the electricity will the others be able to use the diesel tanks?
Starts @ 25:55
Ends @ 26:33
Additional information - The system being developed by the estates team will be a way that staff can pay to re charge their electric vehicle while on station. This is why it is not happening currently. If we supply diesel fuel this would be a taxable benefit & staff would be charged tax. The Government have ruled that electric car recharging is not a taxable benefit. Also, it only costs a few pence as compared to several £s for a diesel tank refill.
Q21 - Can the data from the recent end of shift trial, level 0 for 1hr as opposed to 30 minutes be published... Once again the Trust seems to delay in processing data and moving forward if staff welfare is the outcome, other changes seem to happen quickly.
Starts @ 26:36
Ends @ 27:47
Q22 - The Trust will be procuring 20 mobile chargers in this financial year which will be rolled out to various stations when we take delivery. The 18 hubs and the AOC buildings are likely to be first, due to footfall. Next year fixed chargers will be installed at Barton Mills, Southend and Waveney, plus more mobile chargers.
Starts @ 27:49
Ends @ 28:13
Q23 - There seem to be a high number of pay problems this month - sadly because of the need to get additional payments authorised and placed onto summary sheets. When we ring Kings Lynn they just point blank (and often sometimes quite rudely) refuse to help. Can we please establish a payroll contact within EEAST as, given the cost of living rises, staff just cannot wait 'another month’?
Starts @ 28:14
Ends @ 29:23
Additional information from the finance team - This is the email address responded to by our team pay.queries@eastamb.nhs.uk - hope that helps.
Q24 - May I ask, of the new 270 front line staff, how many are ECA and how many will rock up for their shifts being unable to drive and block another third manning place?
Starts @ 29:28
Ends @ 32:31
Q25 - Both Penthrox and Magnesium have been in JRCALC for a while now, when will we see them introduced locally?
Starts @ 32:32
Ends @ 33:13
Q26 - There is a lot of talk of Time to Lead and I appreciate changes take time, and we don't want to rush it and get it wrong, but how much time before we actually see changes?
Starts @ 33:14
Ends @ 34:07
Q27 - ECG boot camps have been paramedics only due to funding.
Starts @ 34:08
Ends @ 34:36
Q28 - What is our current skill mix? Do we have enough paramedics to mentor new staff?
Starts @ 34:39
Ends @ 36:47
Q29 - Has the Trust stopped using Fast ECG app? Some of my colleagues appear have had issue recently.
Starts @ 36:48
Ends @ 37:19
Q30 - AS ECAT clinicians are classified as Specialist Clinicians, when will they be paid the same banding as other specialist clinicians within EEAST? Can part of the business plan be utilised for this payment? This would also help with recruitment and retention within ECAT.
Starts @ 37:21
Ends @ 38:03
Q31 - As an ECSW (ECA) I attended an ECG bootcamp and found it beneficial. I had no trouble booking or being let in so assume it's open to all. Hope this helps.
Starts @ 38:04
Ends @ 38:34
Q32 - What has happened to the welfare vehicles? Haven't seen any around Norfolk for some time now.
Starts @ 38:36
Ends @ 39:16
Additional information - There is still a welfare wagon in Longwater. In Waveney the team have snacks which can be taken to the JPH during busy periods. The funding for the wagons has been extended and a grant has been applied for longer term funding. I can make enquiries about why the Wagon is not more visible in Norfolk. Thank you.
Q33 - Not a question but some Feedback - EOC overall feels like it is turning a corner and becoming a much better place to work, a lot of work has been done to support the staff and focus on development and lifting morale - it's the little things that go a long way, so thank you.
Starts @ 39:18
Ends @ 40:29
Q34 - Would it be possible to record the bootcamp to make it more accessible to all staff, who can't attend due to shifts not being compatible?
Starts @ 40:30
Ends @ 41:18
Q35 - When will the PHP scope of practice be published?
Starts @ 41:19
Ends @ 42:12
Q36 - Are you enjoying your time as interim COO? Will you be continuing/taking it on permanently or is Marcus returning?
Starts @ 42:13
Ends @ 43:04
Q37 - Just to make it clear, an ECA that cannot drive can also not attend and therefore just becomes a spare pair of hands and always has to be third manned.
Starts @ 43:07
Ends @ 43:33
Q38 - For information - There are two different ECG boot camps facilitated by Mark - one for registrant only (due to HEE funding) and one for anyone. Both are bookable via Evolve.
Starts @ 43:37
Ends @ 44:05
Q39 - Will our Trust be planning to have online HR forms? Some of the Trusts can submit the forms online and receive the feedback very fast. Because it really takes some time to wait for the response from HR payroll forms.
Starts @ 44:06
Ends @ 45:00
Additional information from Liz Cunnell - There is a project ongoing to move our forms to online for HR - I am not aware of the timelines for the project. We can share once we have them. Thank you.
Q40 - ECG course also not in some scopes of practice.
Starts @ 45:02
Ends @ 45:12
Q41 - I am also having problems using Fast ECG app.
Starts @ 45:14
Ends @ 45:23
Q42 - What is the plan for the new PTS vehicles? We have been told that they are not fit for use and you can’t get a wheelchair and trolley patient on at the same time.
Starts @ 45:24
Ends @ 46:00
Q43 - Are we meeting our minimum staffing levels on shift normally? Especially at night... Just wondering as there will be discussions around this with the new strike legislation making its way through Parliament.
Starts @ 46:01
Ends @ 47:34
Q44 - Ref Fast ECG - It should still be available on your iPad but please contact your iPad lead who may be able to escalate for you. Dan P may be able to answer this also Melissa.
Starts @ 47:38
Ends @ 47:58
Q45 - Re the ECG bootcamp - update from Education team - We can’t film as it’s a private company delivering. More dates have been circulated today.
Starts @ 48:01
Ends @ 48:10
Q46 - Re the ECG Bootcamp spaces - Technically as per HEE criteria – only for paramedics at the moment (if there are spare spaces, happy for non-registrants to fill them). This one is externally commissioned, and we are just waiting for HEE to confirm next year’s funds, but we can look at this subject to funding streams – we have asked for money for the wider workforce as part of this for next year.
Starts @ 48:12
Ends @ 48:42
Q47 - Regarding us having enough qualified staff, in the area of the Trust that I work in we are really struggling to put our new A-EMTs, ECAs etc with qualified staff. We are exceptionally top-heavy with new and unqualified staff, and whilst I appreciate they will be qualified one day it is very difficult to manage them now. Some of this is due to the AP program. Is there any plan to try and stagger the amount of new starters we get rather than just dumping lots on one area at a time please?
Starts @ 48:43
Ends @ 50:48
Q48 - The Siren ePCR application constantly crashes despite having full 4g data connection with no other applications open. On scene times and OOS times are constantly prolonged because of this. IT have been unable to resolve the issue. Other local colleagues in Bedfordshire also have this problem - Is this a known fault with other users in other sectors too?
Starts @ 50:51
Ends @ 51:46
Q49 - Whilst Fast ECG may still be on the iPad, we at Clinical Advice can't view them anymore as the website is offline now.
Starts @ 51:51
Ends @ 52:04
Q50 - Just wanted to add, the extended level 0 trial felt a very positive experience and from a personal point seemed very useful at an outlying station.
Starts @ 52:05
Ends @ 52:42
Close from Melissa
Starts @ 52:43
Ends @ 53:43
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 27th February 2023