A staff engagement programme that gives power to staff to transform their workplace and make the changes that matter to them most is gathering pace at NCIC.

Listening into Action is a proven solution used by hundreds of NHS trusts and was introduced as a result of last year’s staff survey results which had poor results in staff morale, engagement and culture.

The programme started in May and although in the early stages has already made over 100 improvements based on feedback from staff with 100s more in the pipeline.  100 LiA pioneers were recruited to join the programme and are working on 10 big projects over 20 weeks that matter the most to staff and patients including improving communications between patients in hospital and their families, better for support for staff who are being asked to cover other wards/services and improving recognition for good practice.

This month, the LiA pioneers gathered for a half way event to review how their project was going so far.

Lyn Simpson, Chief Executive of NCIC, thanked the pioneers for their input and spoke about how they were “helping to move the organisation forward.”

She said: “I want to thank you all for the hard work you have been doing and a big, big thank you from all of the executive team.

“You were helping to put our organisation in a place where we want it to be.”

Hannah Forbes, who has implemented LiA in hundreds of NHS Trusts, told the pioneers.

“If you get LiA right it does have an impact on patient care. All of you want to work in a Trust that is good or outstanding. That only happens when everyone is part of the journey.”

Each group will conclude their project in around 10 weeks time, and the Trust will then be looking for the next 100 pioneers to continue the work into the New Year.  The projects the pioneers are focussing on are:

  • Team 1 - better support for staff being asked to cover other wards/services
  • Team 2 - improve continuing care for children in our community dental service
  • Team 3 - podiatry patient experience and access
  • Team 4 - self monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy
  • Team 5 - improving communication between patients in hospital and their family
  • Team 6 - addressing bullying
  • Team 7 - improving staff wellbeing
  • Team 8 - creating a staff directory
  • Team 9 - establishing a formal shadowing process
  • Team 10 - improving manager visibility/recognition

The National Staff Survey for 2022 is currently taking place for all NHS staff.  Staff at the Trust have received their copies last month and have until 25th November to complete theirs with the results being published in March 2023.