NHS staff given say in improving security

NHS WORKERS will be asked what needs to be done to make them feel safe and secure at work in the largest ever health and care staff engagement exercise.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock will use a speech at Southmead Hospital in Bristol today to announce plans to give all 3.1m health and care workers in England a voice in policy making.

He will launch a new online tool Talk Health and Care, for staff to post ideas, questions and challenges for the Government via mobile phones and tablets.

Mr Hancock will say: “Millions of hard-working health and care staff turn up to work every day to meet any challenges tirelessly, with unending compassion.

“But they don’t just do this for money or other contract benefits. They do it to improve and save the lives of countless strangers, and in return it’s only right that they are valued, supported and developed.

“But too often health and care employers, despite the NHS being the world’s fifth largest employer, don’t get this right.

“It’s time we hear from health and care staff about what they really have to say about the jobs that are at the heart of this country.”

He will add: “Nobody knows what needs improving more than hard-working staff themselves, so my message is clear – we are listening to you, we want your views, and we will use them to ensure the long-term plan for the NHS helps you.”

Dr Ruth May, executive director of Nursing at NHS Improvement, said the online tool would “help the NHS listen to and support its staff, so that they feel happy, healthy, safe and valued”.

Sean O’Sullivan,head of health and social policy at the Royal College of Midwives, added: “We welcome any initiative to get the views of midwives and NHS staff. What is important is that this is a real exercise in engaging with staff and that the Government act on what staff tell them.”

Mr Hancock is also expected to thank hospital staff for saving the life of his sister, Emily Gilruth, following a riding accident last year.