Leadership message from Marcus Bailey, Chief Operating Officer

Marcus Bailey

As we move into Spring, the national social restrictions continue to lift in line with the Government’s plan outlined in January. We are now able to meet friends and family outdoors and ‘shielding’ measures ended yesterday for the most clinically vulnerable. As we said in last week’s message, we will be making sure that staff who have been shielding have a full risk assessment in the coming weeks to support a safe return.

Vaccinations play a significant part in our battle with Covid, protecting individuals and reducing demand on NHS services. Over 90 percent of our staff had their first jab and it is great to see over half of our staff have already had their second. This additional dose gives an extra layer of protection to you, family and colleagues and our communities. EEAST’s vaccination programme has been a real success, so a big thank you to everyone who has supported the roll-out. All clinics are now open, and you can book in for your second dose. If you haven’t had your first jab, it's not too late  - speak to your line manager or click here for more information. It is important that we all continue with our Covid secure precautions including face masks, handwashing and observing the social distancing measures in place.

As you know, the process to recruit our next chief executive is underway. Candidates have been meeting the Board, senior managers and stakeholders this week, with further rounds of interviews to follow. We expect to make a final announcement this month and we will continue to keep you updated. Dr Tom Davis continues as interim chief executive until the successful candidate is in place.

You have told us how important it is to have regular and meaningful appraisals here at EEAST to discuss your career and get the development and training you need. We have listened and acted, and from next week, a new appraisal system will be rolling out across the Trust. 

I mentioned Spring earlier and I would like to end by thanking everyone who will be working over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. We expect to see calls increase with more people out and about, and have planned to manage this. I am confident that we will continue, as we have done throughout the past months, to provide our patients with a safe and caring response.

Thank you

Marcus Bailey
Chief Operating Officer

Published 1st April 2021