Dear colleague,

The results of the 2024 NHS staff survey were published this week and more of our colleagues than ever before  took part, resulting in our response rate leaping  from 41% in 2023 to 55%.

It’s good news that many more of our colleagues completed the survey, showing they believe it’s worth taking the time to speak up about what works and what needs to improve.

Our results reveal more of our staff are happy with the standard of care we provide, rising from 49% in 2023 to 52%, and would recommend our Trust as a place to work (54%, up from 51%).

The majority of staff agree patient care is our top priority, and we saw a 4% increase in the number who feel we act on concerns raised by patients, rising to 70%.

Of course, these results also show where we must improve. Too many staff are experiencing burn out and 60% said they had come to work despite not feeling well enough.

To address this, we’ve already recruited more clinical staff to improve care and help manage workload pressures. Our ‘Flex for Life’ campaign also highlights the options available to improve work-life balance.

Almost one in four (24%) said they had been discriminated against because of their ethnic background, with some experiencing this from their colleagues. We also saw an increase in staff experiencing violence while at work.

This is unacceptable and we will work with teams to ensure this feedback leads to meaningful, measurable change, by providing safe spaces for staff to share experiences and offer support and training to all colleagues, including those in leadership roles.

As you know, our No Excuse No Abuse campaign is displayed throughout our hospitals to reinforce the consequences of bad behaviour, including yellow and red cards. 

We’ve also provided de-escalation and breakaway training, increased security in high-risk areas and have rapid response teams to manage aggressive situations quickly.

Increased pay for healthcare assistants and maternity support workers

We’re increasing the salaries of our lowest paid healthcare assistants (HCAs) and maternity support workers (MSWs) to reflect the work they do.

Four years ago the NHS Staff Council, which is responsible for much of the pay banding in the health service, clarified the roles and responsibilities of Band 2 and Band 3 staff.

Band 2 HCAs and MSWs provide personal care such as feeding and bathing patients and recording patient information, while Band 3s perform limited clinical tasks under supervision.

After these changes were made, we started working with union representatives from Unison, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives to re-band all Band 2 HCAs and MSWs at our Trust to Band 3.

We are also providing backpay to cover the period since October 2021.

It’s right we have ensured some of our lowest paid colleagues are paid properly for the work they do. They’re a vital part of our clinical team and make a huge difference to the care our patients receive. 

Have a great weekend.

Best wishes,

Matthew Trainer

Chief Executive