STAFF SURVEY REVEALS LACK OF TIME AND STAFF HAMPERS PATIENT CARE

UNISON, the UK’s largest health union, has today (25 March) called for a boost in health staff numbers in the wake of the latest NHS staff survey. The survey reveals that although 90% of staff feel they make a difference to patients, they don’t have enough time or people to do their jobs properly - with 66% of staff working overtime.This year’s NHS staff survey does reveal welcome improvements in hand washing and infection control; however there has been little progress in reducing the level of violence inflicted on staff while the number of work-related injuries is still unacceptably high.The survey points to good working relationships between staff and supportive working between staff and their immediate managers. However, communication between senior management and staff is woefully inadequate with 74% reporting they are not listened to, or consulted on, important decisions or ways to improve the service. Karen Jennings, UNISON Head of Health, said:“The staff survey is a good barometer of the way that the NHS is running. Inadequate staffing levels were at the heart of recent critical reports slamming patient care at Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust and in the Birmingham Children’s Hospital. NHS Employers need to listen to staff and must act when they are told they do not have enough time or people to do their jobs properly and deliver quality patient care.“The recent revelations of poor practice in Mid Staffs also underline the importance of effective communication between staff and senior managers. The Darzi review identified the need to develop leadership among NHS staff and for teams to work together to set and measure clear objectives. The whole health team needs to be involved in making NHS services better for patients and with 74% of staff reporting this is not happening, there is clearly a gap that needs to be closed.“What is encouraging to see is that staff are less afraid to report errors, near misses or incidents. This year’s survey shows that 96% of staff witnessing an error reported it. “The number of staff who suffer violence at the hands of patients or relatives which is still shamefully high. The overall figure of 12% is shocking enough, but for ambulance workers that figure is more than double with 27% coming under attack. The Employers must take action to protect their workforce and UNISON would like to see more prosecutions and tough penalties for those found guilty of assault