Care workers happy in jobs
Mental health care workers in Staffordshire are happy with their jobs and with their employer, according to the results of a recent survey.
Mental health care workers in Staffordshire are happy with their jobs and with their employer, according to the results of a recent survey.
Staff at South Staffordshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have given a positive response to a range of questions about their working conditions.
The trust is based at St George's Hospital, in Stafford, and is in charge of mental health services in the area.
Its recent staff opinion survey, one of a number carried out across the NHS each year, asked questions about a range of issues.
Topics covered included access to training and career development, opportunities for flexible working and experience of harassment or bullying.
In addition, work-related stress, how staff feel about their jobs and even availability of hand washing facilities were also included in the survey.
Compared to other similar health trusts across the country, South Staffordshire Healthcare was ranked in the best 20 per cent for 17 of the 28 key areas.
These areas included flexible working opportunities, how well-structured staff appraisals were and personal development plans.
Well-organised team environments were also praised by those who responded to the survey. Head of human resources Paul Dracycott said such issues had been shown to have a significant impact on their work.
He added that research proved that a good system for staff appraisals and personal development had a good effect on patient care.
He said that staff at the Staffordshire trust also reported a lower rate of work-related stress and injuries than other similar trusts.
"Overall, staff report a good work-life balance and positive satisfaction with their jobs," said Mr Draycott.
"We are very pleased with the results from the survey, which show an improvement on last year's results as well as comparing well with other similar organisations.
He added: "The trust is committed to ensuring that staff are well-supported and offered choices in their learning, development and also working life wherever possible.
"We know that this is good for patients too, with staff generally feeling good about the job and having great motivation and commitment to providing the best services," he added.
Mark Butler, secretary of the trust's joint staff partnership which represents all employees' views, welcomed the survey results.
He said: "Staff and management have worked hard on policies and practices which make this a better place to work.
"We are pleased to see the evidence that this is working and improving conditions for staff and, ultimately, for patients."
