Staff have praised a new pilot that gives them more flexibility to pick their shifts.

Colleagues in seven units across our Trust are taking part in the team rostering trial and can choose when they work all of their contracted hours, as long as this meets staffing requirements on the ward.

The trial was launched in response to last year’s NHS Staff Survey, in which just over half of our staff said they were satisfied with the opportunities for flexible working and a similar number said they achieved a good work-life balance.

Junalyn Chucas, Senior Staff Nurse on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) , said the scheme has helped with her childcare.

Junalyn (pictured above) said:

For me, it has helped me plan around the next month’s rota. It has been working so far and it has helped my work-life balance.

The trial has also been taking place at Daisy ward, a stroke rehabilitation unit at Goodmayes Hospital.

Tania Madu, the Junior Sister on the ward, praised the new approach. She said it has given her choice in when she works.

Tania said:

Before the trial, it was harder to get your shifts swapped. Now I can spend more time with my family.

Nearly three months after the first trial started in September, six in ten staff say they want it to continue and 72% found the process easy to navigate.

The success of the pilot means it will soon be rolled out to more units across the Trust.