Staff backlash after ambulance service wins wellbeing award

THE Welsh Ambulance Service has come under fire from its own employees for winning an award praising how it strives to look after its staff.

The Welsh Ambulance Service Trust (WAST) was awarded a Gold Corporate Health Standard by the Health Inspectorate for Wales, for its commitment to improving workers’ health and wellbeing.

But when the service posted about the presentation of the Welsh Government sponsored prize on its own Facebook page, it was hit with complaints from workers about missed or late breaks, with some saying top bosses were “out of touch” with the workforce.

Ambulance worker Clare Martin posted: “This has to be a joke. Not once in the last run of shifts did we get a break on time and only got first break late and no chance of second as more often than not stuck at a hospital and I believe it’s the same through all areas.”

Steven Railton-Jones wrote the fact the post was put online showed him “how out of touch ‘the powers that be’ are with the current situation. Unbelievable”.

One staff member, Robert Meek, commented on social media how withdrawing the payments were “forcing us to come to work when we are unwell. If that is looking after your staff, God help us.”

The backlash prompted bosses to put out a comment on its original post apologising to staff for the award not “tally(ing) with your experience on the frontline” and promising to pass their concerns on.

WAST workforce and organisational development director, Claire Vaughan, said it was “disappointing” some staff were not aware how the service supported them.

She said: “Nobody is more acutely aware of the pressures on our colleagues than we are, and it’s disappointing that some staff do not recognise the efforts the organisation is making to promote health and wellbeing. The Corporate Health Standard is a reflection of our commitment to make improvements, and that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do over the coming year.”

She added: “We will review the initiatives we have in place to ensure they meet the needs of staff and that they are able to access support freely when they need it.

“We’re immensely proud of all of our staff, and commend the almighty work they are doing.”

The Trust’s 3,000 staff can access free counselling, eye tests, flu jabs, taxfree bicycles, childcare vouchers and discounted gym memberships.

A Wellbeing Support Service offers confidential information and advice for staff.

The Unite union has been approached for a comment.