Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 07 May 2024 at 00:35
This week's We Are EEAST Briefing and Executive Q&A was led by our Chief Executive, Tom Abell.
Q1 - I recently applied for the OH Contract and Wellbeing Project Lead role. The application was submitted. 6 days after the closing date I got in touch (after rumours the role was going to be scrapped), then today I was advised by recruitment that the Trust needs to revisit the requirement for this role and therefore they will not be progressing any applications. Could you explain why this role has been pulled? When it was yourselves that stated Wellbeing is your priority and the structure in the Wellbeing team clearly indicated the need for this post.
Q2 - Hello, do you have an update on staff responders?
Q3 - What is the plan if you are unable to attend the Trust awards please?
Additional information - Both events will be live streamed, and we will share details of the links on Need to Know nearer the time. Medals and certificates will be distributed to managers to present to you after the event.
Q4 - Who do we email, what email addresses for NHS long service awards? I haven’t got an email yet and done 25 years continuous NHS service. Thanks Tom.
Additional information - Please email awards@eastamb.nhs.uk, thank you.
Q5 - Hello Tom - Is there any update on the build of the hub in Bury St Edmunds please? The land has been set aside for some time now, but the build hasn't been started.
Q6 - Why has the ER legacy team been scrapped when there are still grievances that have been going on for years that haven't been resolved?
Q7 - As part of your out and about do you have any plans to engage with those staff still remote working to speak to them and see how the Trust to better support them?
Q8 - Are long service awards only applicable to frontline staff or does this include support services also?
Q9 - Hi listening yesterday to Norfolk Radio, the podcast/news was a complete shock, I am absolutely not of the same opinion of the 'paramedic' talking. Why was this aired, incredible. Can you please shed any light, thank you.
Q10 - Recently the leadership message stated that no matter your role you have the right to progress. What pathways of progression are you providing for paramedics?
Q11 – Are you reviewing the poor leadership and culture in our control rooms at the min? It's been really bad recently and it isn’t just demand etc it’s the leaders.
Q12 - I know Unison have been pushing for senior tech reinstatement, is there any plan to sort this out.
Q13 - Is there any truth to the rumours that the Trust is looking at new Ford ambulances?
Q14 - Given the demand, and likely ongoing demand, for Blue Light training - can we look to develop a pathway for staff to train as instructors?
Q15 - Talking about long service. How does anybody know whether they are eligible since the information seems to have been removed? When is East 24 going to be updated with some kind of search function that works?
Q16 - With the jubilee coming up are stations now allowed to celebrate this with food sharing and what are the arrangements for staff working to be able to celebrate to?
Q17 - I've heard Covid restrictions are being removed such as the capacity in office space being removed, mask wearing not required etc. When will this come in to effect?
Q18 - With the ongoing delay in staff passing C1 courses, is there an alternative option to reduce the attend only model? e.g B plate ambulances, C1 exemptions.
Q19 - What mechanisms exist within the Trust to bring about large projects/innovations? How do we fund these? Is there a process to internally access funds? What external funding options do we have?
Q20 - Good afternoon, is it possible to please have some clarity on how rolling hours work as this is not visible to us on GRS and there is quite a lot of confusion. Staff are not always allocated enough hours since BBR, and then find a large number of accrued hours are owed. Thanks.
Q21 - Are we going to be subject to another restructure across the organisation in the near future or will newly implemented roles remain as additions to existing ones?
Q22 - Super low priority Q: Its great seeing you engaging with other stakeholders such as Police/Fire/MP's etc but is there any chance we can get you a full no.1 uniform? Just think it would look better having you in full uniform instead of just a soft-shell jacket when you're photographed with senior uniformed officers. (No offence intended, just an observation that some family members made!)
Q23 - Can you not use the same system that H M Forces use for obtaining driving licences? May be worth looking into.
Q24 - Why do staff wear watches when I get told I’m not allowed watches as uniform etc I see loads of pictures online with staff wearing watches.
Q25 - Working across several localities and directorates can I access recordings of the bi-monthly local briefings? Can recordings be made available centrally?
Additional information - Local Q&A recordings get published on Need To Know here.
Q26 - Hi Tom, has any progress been made for a centralised 24/7 resourcing department to reduce the workload on LOM teams for short notice shift changes/GRS changes etc? Most other ambulance services have had this in place for many years.
Q27 - Can we have an easy to find updated structure on east24 and NTK the one on NTK still has Juliet Beale on it? and it was impossible to find and took some hunting.
Additional information - We will ensure that updated versions will be posted on Need To Know and sent to stations.
Q28 - One more from me, on behalf of the LGBT+ Network, can you possibly use this opportunity to signpost staff to today's Need to Know post regarding Pride events? We need support, particularly local support to resource these events. Thank you.
Q29 - Is there any update in regards Senior EMT progression?
Q30 - Thank you to the board, you have certainly got challenges confronting you and have remained courteous and professional whilst addressing system dynamics.
Q31 - Just to say thanks for some changes you’ve made since coming onboard as I do love and enjoy my job but there is improvements to be made and happy to help.
Q32 - An even lower priority q, F1 WDC, Le-Clerc, Verstappen or will Mercedes pull some miracle out of the bag?
Q33 - Is the Corporate Strategy 2020-2025 put forward by the Trust and on EAST24 still current or is there a new one in draft?
Q34 - As the CEO of our uniformed service my vote is for you to be in uniform Tom.
Q35 - In response to the question around wearing watches. The IPC guidelines states that: Patient facing staff must adopt a ‘bare below the elbows’ practice. Short sleeves should be used in the first instance, however there may be reasons, such as temperature or for visibility, that require staff to wear long sleeves. Any long or ¾ sleeved clothing should be pushed up above the elbows or removed during patient care. This is now stated in the Uniform Policy, which is currently being reviewed.
Q36 - Given all the new houses being built everywhere demand is increasing is our finances and budget reflecting this and the trust pushing our government on this.
Q37 - Can the board provide some additional hours to the day (or failing that some additional support services staff) as the demand on us is terrible at the moment and no break is in sight?
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 16th May 2022