Staff at Staffordshire health trust urged to 'speak up' by chiefs
A health trust in Staffordshire has urged staff to speak up about any concerns they have at work without fear amid coronavirus.
Chiefs at the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) launched the Speaking Up Charter to ensure an "open and transparent" culture.
They say that speaking out is a "fundamental" matter to ensure patient and staff safety – and will help to improve areas across the county.
Tracy Bullock, chief executive of the trust which runs County Hospital in Stafford and Royal Stoke University Hospital, said: "We are committed to promoting a supportive culture to ensure everyone feels safe and confident to speak up about issues that concern them and for staff to know that we will act upon their concerns.
"Listening to our staff and patients and acting on feedback is fundamental in a learning organisation and with the onset of Covid-19, speaking up has never been more important.
"The charter highlights our organisation’s commitment to support anyone who wants to make their voice heard, whether it be related to patient care, quality or safety; staff experience or a suggestion for improvement. The charter will also be signed by all the executive team as well as divisional boards.”
The trust has worked with partners Staff Side partners to develop the charter by setting out what can be expected when staff speak up – and what happens when the person does speak up.
Charlotte Lees, raising concerns and workforce equality manager, said: "Speaking up is a fundamental matter of patient and staff safety in the NHS, which is why we are so determined to support our staff.
"We know that having effective speaking up arrangements in place can help to protect our patients and improve the experience for our staff and this is essential in creating a safe and happy environment."
Rob Irving, chair of Staff Side, said the move "continues" the great work carried out by the health trust with regards to staff wellbeing.
