NHS workers invited to shape healthcare at hospital group

University Hospitals Tees is inviting more than 15,000 NHS staff to help shape the future of healthcare across Teesside.

The appeal is in a bid to produce a new set of defined values the organisation will stand by to drive for excellent health and care befitting of ensure patients, communities and staff in the region.

Phase one saw staff across the group take part in a short online survey to have their say on the standards and morals they most relate to as they care for the region’s communities. Now staff are asked to take part in a second short poll to help create a final set of values.

The hospital group is working closely with Aqua, a NHS improvement organisation to conduct examination of staff and stakeholder feedback, independently of University Hospitals Tees.

Rachael Metcalf, group chief people officer for University Hospitals Tees, said: “The first phase of this work offered some really interesting insights into what matters most to our staff. Some of the values they hold dear were expected, of course, but we also saw feedback on some priorities we may not have considered closely at first glance.

“Based on staff feedback from the first survey, Aqua has narrowed this down some more-definitive values and descriptions which we’d like our staff and key stakeholder to reflect upon.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has participated in this work so far and urge those who haven’t to get involved while you can. As the people who dedicate their time to supporting our patients, our communities and indeed one another, your input is so respected and valued.”

The short online survey is open until Friday 7 February.

Findings from phase one

Staff were asked to select words from a series of lists that they hold important to them at work.

Narrowed down to the nine potential values and descriptions below, and grouped into University Hospitals Tees’ strapline ‘Caring better together’, staff are asked to once again select the principles they see in themselves and their colleagues.

Caring

• Kind: We listen to understand taking a person-centred approach. We build strong, trusting relationships by showing empathy and compassion to everyone.
• Respect: We create a positive, welcoming, safe and fair environment where people feel valued. We are always kind, treating everyone with dignity and compassion.
• Support: We help each other to do the best for people. We use empathy and kindness to make sure people feel valued, treated with dignity and respected. 

Better

• Empower: We work to the highest standards to provide safe, effective, and respectful care. We create a culture of excellence, leadership and responsibility.
• Excel: We strive for person-centred care, always learning and sharing best practice. We help one another be our best by being professional and offering mutual support.
• Learn: We are kind and compassionate to each other and are unafraid to speak out and have our ideas heard. We are approachable, listen to understand and always work to improve care. 

Together

• Communicate: We share information clearly and effectively. We are transparent and have open and honest conversations, ensuring people feel seen and heard.
• Collaborate: We work together towards shared goals, celebrate our strengths and help one another learn. We are supportive, respectful and focus on being professional and responsible.
• Connect: We share knowledge and skills, supporting each other to provide the best care. We respect all views, are approachable and celebrate our different strengths.