PHT Public Trust Board Papers March 2011.pdf - Plymouth Hospitals

Item 6
These engagement sessions have enabled us to simplify the pledges set out in the NHS
Constitution and to put them into context for our patients, community and organisation as a
set of ‘Patient Promises’.
Our challenge now is to ensure that every member of staff makes a commitment to the
following promises:
1. I will… care for you compassionately and respectfully
2. I will… give you clear information and involve you in your care
3. I will… give you the best treatment I can when you need it
4. I will… make sure you are treated in a clean and safe environment
Next Steps
The plan is now to sense check these promises with staff and engage them in the
development of a framework which will describe the behaviours and competencies which
staff will need to demonstrate for each pledge.
These promises will then be communicated and embedded into the organisation, supported
by the Organisational Development Programme to ensure they become part of our culture
both now and in the future.
Engagement sessions will shortly be held with key groups e.g. Clinical Directors, Directorate
Managers, Medical Secretaries Forum and some open breakfast meetings with staff.
Staff will be asked to prioritise a series of suggestions on the top five behaviours, which will
demonstrate their commitment to meeting each of our promises. When these behaviours
have been determined, staff will be asked to make a commitment to them and acknowledge
their integration into their own personal performance management and responsibility.
It is envisaged that these promises will become central to our organisation and widely used,
with objectives, work programmes and measureable outcomes and targets mapped to each
promise.
It is recognised that improving the patient experience requires the continued support and
involvement of staff. These patient promises provide a driving force and visual vehicle which
will help staff to develop the behaviours required to promote a quality focused culture in
which they can be justly proud.
The NHS Constitution also outlines pledges to staff. Consideration needs to be given as to
whether staff pledges need to be launched at the same time as those for patients or should
be managed as a separate matter and tied into the Organisational Development Programme.
The current compliance to the NHS Constitution Patient Pledges and work that has been
completed, alongside work outstanding is set out in (Annex 1) for information.
Conclusion and recommendations
The Board is asked to note the work carried out to date and the next steps.
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