As the nights draw in and the weather changes for the worse, our plans for winter are well and truly in the throes of being implemented. We have received a letter from NHS England recognising the huge operational pressures everyone is under and also outlining good practice to help us get through the next few months as best we can, for instance maximising the use of virtual wards. We are taking stock on how well we have implemented what is outlined.
We are already seeing a surge in demand - cases of flu have climbed quickly in the past week, indicating that the season has begun earlier than normal. There’s no doubt it is going to be tough for everyone so please take care of yourselves and your colleagues.
I had my vaccinations yesterday and I can honestly say I was extremely impressed with how quick and simple it all was. I didn’t feel a thing!
Our team of vaccinators have been working hard to ensure as many of you as possible are protected this winter. Making sure we are in the right place at the right time for everyone to receive their vaccines is a big logistical challenge but the team has done a great job mixing drop-in sessions with walk-arounds of sites to reach every team.
On the back of feedback this week they are starting evening and weekend sessions so colleagues who work nights or in our community settings also have ample opportunity to get the jab. If they’ve not been to your workplace yet, please drop them a line as I know they are very flexible and would be happy to visit your team – protecting yourself against flu and COVID really is that easy!
Please don’t miss out - you can find out where and when our vaccinators will be here.
As you know, COVID-19 and flu can be really serious for some people and health care workers are more likely to be exposed. Vaccines are the best protection we have, so I am urging you to top up your immunity to prevent you getting seriously ill from flu and COVID and from spreading it to others also. This is one gift to can give to your colleagues, the people you care for and your friends and family.
As I said earlier, please take care of yourselves and remember there is a wide range of support available to you should you need it, from advice about keeping safe and well through to guidance with budgeting and bills.
Here at the Trust we’ve been taking the opportunity at vaccination sessions to remind colleagues to complete their staff survey. We’ve just under a month before the survey closes, so please have your say on how things are here at the Trust. I think everyone knows me well enough now, through my briefings and blogs, to know that I welcome feedback and I think it’s the most powerful way we can start to make changes that support us in our working lives.
The more of you who complete the survey, the more complete and accurate the picture of the Trust we receive and that will help us make really effective and appropriate changes whilst building on the many positive aspects of working here.
Last year I had just taken up the post as Interim Chief Executive, when the survey took place so I am especially interested to know what has changed over the past 12 months. And I want you to be completely honest, otherwise the survey doesn’t work.
I fully appreciate that everyone is under relentless pressure and we are asking you to prioritise a number of things - but I stand firm that the survey is one of those critical elements that helps ensure the Trust functions as effectively as possible. We cannot do this without an ELHT Family that feels listened to and valued.
I was really pleased that 58% of colleagues had their say last year, taking the opportunity to shape the future of the Trust. Whilst it was not all positive and some of the results were uncomfortable reading, it was reflective of the fact that we were in the midst of a global pandemic and of the pressures being faced by colleagues. But the overriding takeaway was that it also gave me hope, in that there were a lot of positive outcomes for us to build on.
All your comments are read and action is taken to improve the Trust based on that feedback, as each division develops an action plan and the progress on these plans are presented to me each quarter. This also feeds into a Trust-wide action plan which focusses on the key elements outlined in the NHS People Promise.
This year we have already received over 3,200 responses and with four weeks to go I’m hoping even more colleagues will put 10 minutes aside to fill in the survey – please don’t miss out on you chance to have your say, you’ll find an email from our survey partner Picker in your inbox.
Finally with the pressures we are facing, it is imperative that we continue to embrace our Trust vision of being widely recognised for delivering safe, personal and effective care. In this respect I must make reference to two high profile failures to deliver the right quality of care to patients, one in relation to the provision of some mental health services in Manchester and the other regarding maternity services in East Kent. The lessons to be learned from both are undoubtedly significant for all services. We have already comprehensively assessed how we compare and this will be discussed at our November Board meeting.
In this context it is always great to hear examples of the great care and services we provide. This week two teams were finalists at this year’s Health Service Journal Awards, so many congratulations to the End of Life and Bereavement Care and the Integrated Care Allocation Team (ICAT). Similarly, on the back of last year’s success, two more of our fantastic Chefs won their regional heat and are now competing in the national finals of the NHS Chef of the Year 2022 competition, a six day event starting on 25 October. Very best of luck to Dylan Lucas and Ebrahim Lorgat.
Have a great weekend everyone, and to those of you who are working – thank you.