Patient care not top of NHS list say NHS staff

Date article online: 14/04/2008

Fewer than half of NHS staff believe patient care is the top priority at their NHS trust - and only a quarter think their employers value their work.

The controversial findings reflect the opinions of 155,922 employees from 391 trusts as part of the Healthcare Commission’s annual staff survey.

In all, 54 per cent of staff responded - revealing wide variations between hospitals on measures to fight infections such as MRSA.

Only 61 per cent of those polled said handwashing equipment was always available when they needed it.

A total of 13 per cent had suffered physical violence at the hands of a patient or visitor in the last year, with a higher prevalence among mental health and ambulance staff.

On the positive side, staff were generally satisfied with their jobs, 94 per cent took part in some form of training and 73 per cent took advantage of flexible working options. Responses from Oldham Primary Care Trust staff show its work-life balance was one of the “very best” in the country.

It was also in the top 20 per cent for six more of the 26 areas covered.

Nearly nine out of 10 took advantage of flexible working options, and fewer staff said they worked extra hours than at many other primary care trusts.

It was also in the top 20 per cent for staff feeling positive about working in the organisation, and job satisfaction.

A total of 83 per cent reported taking part in training, learning or development over the last year which helped them do their job better - both scores were among the highest in the country.

Areas where the trust could do better included work-related stress, with 33 per cent of staff, equal to the national average, saying they suffered from it.

Fewer than the national average said they had an appraisal, 5 per cent were the victims of physical violence, and 28 per cent of harassment, bullying or abuse.

Roger Pickering, executive director of human resources and organisational development, said the rise in violence was disappointing, and the trust had a zero-tolerance approach.

A spokeswoman for Pennine Care Trust, which runs Rochdale’s mental health services, said it accepted it had areas to improve, and the board was due to sanction a five-year “people and development” plan.

Staff were a key priority and the trust was spending more than ever on staff development and was in the top fifth where workers felt fully supported by their line manager.

“The investment aims to ensure staff deliver the best care possible and they also find the trust a great place to work,” she added.