A G E N D A 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Ian Metcalfe 2 ...

Board of Directors Part 114 June 20137.3.4 Staff’s confidence in expressing concerns to managers aboutcareThere was a very strong positive response in 98% of nursing staff. Theystated that managers listened to their comments and views. The role ofthe clinical lead is key as the leader and co-ordinator of the team andbeing approachable and responsive to comments from staff is an essentialpart of the role.7.3.5 Job satisfaction85% of nursing staff said they left work feeling they had done a good job.60% of staff on the Stroke Unit were less happy about their role at night –when busy the essentials are not always done and patients not alwaysmade to feel special. Several staff on the Acute Medical Unit commentedthat a patient’s personal care sometimes took second place to clinicalcare. Because they are always busy, care was sometimes dependent onthe skill mix at the time. Most AMU staff felt they were under-staffed at thetime of the review.When we asked staff whether they ever left work feeling anxious thatpatients had not received optimum care, this produced a 50/50 split. Staffclearly want to perform a really good and caring job and many of theircomments reflect the circumstances of the job, like being too busy. Tosome extent responses depended on how the interviewee interpreted thequestion. The responses were more a reflection of how high a level of carestaff wish to give rather than the reality of the situation.Many wards commented on how well they worked as a team although onsome wards there were comments that band 5 nurses would sometimesnot help out HCAs with their more basic tasks. Some responsesmentioned that acutely ill patients were not being given the best care as ittakes too long to be seen by a doctor.What are the aspects of night working you find frustrating ornegative?The points below reflect general comments made by staff:Not enough nursing staffDoctors slow to respond. Not enough doctorsFood and breaks – when busy don’t always have a meal break.Poor food availabilitySleep pattern disruptionIsolation at nightResponsibility and decision making greaterVery tiring and strenuousStaff talking loudlySecurity staff and porters – calling a porter on the computer systemis slow and time consumingResponse to requested task often very tardy. Lack of porters12The Hospital at NightQuality/Performance