Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 April 2024 at 20:40
Writing this week’s leadership message, I realised it mirrored a typical day here at EEAST - lots of things to be aware of, to support or improve and of course, be proud of.
I want to start by passing my best wishes to Dorothy, who stepped down as Chief Executive yesterday. I know first hand our robust response over the past months has been built on the changes she made in her time with us - and I wish her well for the future.
Our COVID vaccination programme is well underway and we are close to fifty percent take up now. All the information on how and where to get your vaccination is available on Need to Know. There are multiple sites available and more slots coming onstream all the time, so please make this a priority to keep you safe.
Your feedback on your working life is important, especially with our ambition for a positive culture for everyone here at EEAST. Our latest short Pulse survey goes live next week and in the coming month or so we will also share the feedback from the last national survey you took in November. I expect the results will again reinforce the issues you have raised with the CQC and in the harassment survey, reinforcing the importance of continuing our work together to tackle these.
At last week’s Board, I highlighted our strong performance during this second wave, which has tested the NHS as never before. I am pleased we have sustained our response this week, but I know staff are getting tired - so we are calling in additional reinforcements from the military, fire service and other partners to assist where possible.
We are also asking support staff who have relevant skills to make themselves available to help frontline colleagues. If you are working in a support role and think you could help - maybe you have clinical skills and qualifications, call handling experience, or a C1 driving licence - please click this link.
We continue to make good progress on our CQC action plan, and our updates to regulators and partners last week included staff engagement and governance - which you can read more about here.
Finally, I am delighted that Monday sees the start of Thank You Week. Over the next seven days, and obviously observing necessary social distancing protocols, we will be making opportunities to highlight your dedication to patient care and supporting the wider NHS - and to say thank you.
Take care and stay safe.
Dr Tom Davis
Acting CEO
Published 21st January 2021