The 2021 NHS Staff Survey results were published this morning. The confidential survey was open from October to November last year and asked NHS staff to reflect on the previous 12 months. In total, 43 percent of our staff shared their experiences. 

Matthew Trainer, Chief Executive, said: “While the survey shows improvement in a few areas, it is clear we must do more to make this a better place to work.

“I am saddened to read that 17 per cent of people who responded said they had experienced discrimination from a colleague. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect when they come to work in the NHS. It is unacceptable that many are not and it is one of the reasons that I wrote about the need to tackle sexism at our Trust.

“It is also disappointing that fewer staff said they would be happy with the standard of our care (if a friend or relative needed treatment) than last year.

“There are areas where we have seen good progress. Last year, appraisals became ‘My Conversations,’ emphasising staff wellbeing and professional goals. As a result, more staff felt valued and reported being set clear objectives for your work. I am also pleased line manager communication has improved, with more staff saying they are being provided with clear feedback and involved in decisions.

These are welcome positives, but we do have significant problems that we need to tackle.” 

Today also marks the launch of our Trust’s ‘Better Together’ campaign, aimed at celebrating the diversity our staff and patients, and making people of all backgrounds feel welcome in our hospitals.