The result of the annual NHS Staff survey, published yesterday, shows that Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT) staff rated the Trust highly as a place to work and receive treatment.
TSDFT, which runs Torbay Hospital, nine community hospitals and community health and social care in the area was rated as higher or on a par with other NHS organisations in 28 out of the 32 areas surveyed. This included opportunities to work flexibly, health and wellbeing of staff and the relatively low number of staff suffering with work related stress. Nearly 3,000 members of staff responded to the survey.
Mairead McAlinden, Chief Executive of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said: “I am very pleased that so many staff took the time to participate in this year’s staff survey, as it gives us a strong sense of where we are doing well and where we need to take action to respond to their concerns. The survey took place in October, just after the creation of our new Integrated Care Organisation, and at that time staff were naturally concerned about what this change would mean for them.
“It is particularly reassuring that so many of our staff would recommend this Trust as a place to work and be treated.
“Overall the survey was very positive, but it highlights some areas for improvement, including staff confidence in reporting concerns. Last month, we appointed nine ‘Freedom to Speak Up’ Guardians – the first in the South West to do so – who will be available to support staff who have concerns. We will now work closely with our staff on a detailed action plan to quickly tackle any areas for improvement identified in this year’s survey.
“We have over 6,000 members of staff, and I am incredibly proud of their dedication, professionalism and hard work to deliver excellent care. We want to support them to provide the best possible care to the people of Torbay and South Devon and we want them to feel valued by the Trust in the job they do.”
Whilst the Trust scored above average or in line with the rest of the country in the majority of areas, it did fall below average in four areas. A robust action plan is now being put in place by the Trust to ensure that the Trust continues to provide a safe and high quality service to the people that they care for and that staff can continue to work in a happy, healthy and safe environment.
The detailed staff survey report, along with all other national results can be found at www.nhsstaffsurveys.com
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