'Don't be afraid to speak up', Black Country hospital staff told
Staff at a Black Country hospital have been told they should not be afraid to speak up if there is a problem.
New ‘freedom to speak up guardians’ have been appointed at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley to listen to any concerns staff have.
Bosses say the move is part of their drive to create a culture of honesty.
Quality lead Derek Eaves has been appointed a guardian to work alongside current guardian and deputy chief nurse Carol Love-Mecrow.
Hospital chiefs said they were keen to ensure staff were not afraid blowing the whistle could have a damaging impact for them and that it was crucial issues that could affect the way the hospital operates and health of patients needed are raised.
Diane Wake, chief executive of the Dudley Group NHS Trust, which runs Russells Hall, said staff needed to feel supported when raising a concern.
She said: “It is really important that staff feel supported to raise any concerns they may have and that we, as an organisation, promote open and honest conversations.
“Feeling supported to speak up is vital in order to help us improve services for our patients and the working environment for other members of staff.”
Ms Love-Mercrow said: “We have a clear Raising Concerns policy that says we want to hear about concerns but my role gives staff an additional route. We will guarantee confidentiality and ensure staff are supported to raise issues which will be dealt with appropriately.”
The appointments follow the recommendation of Care Quality Commission (CQC) chief Sir Robert Francis QC for every NHS employer to appoint a guardian.
Russells Hall follows other Black Country hospitals in making the step to try and improve communication with staff. New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, Walsall Manor and Sandwell General, who have all created the roles.
It comes following recommendations from the CQC for every hospital trust to have the guardians in place by the end of 2016/17.
