Outpatient Matron, Rachel Roberts, is proud that her colleagues recognise the value of their essential safety and role-based training. In fact, since she started in post in 2016, it’s become part of the norm.

Rachel said: “All our colleagues in Outpatients know that carrying out their training is an intrinsic part of their role caring for their patients and that it’s just part of us getting the basics right.  

“I’m an advocate of informal catch-ups and when I started in 2016, I used to carry around a checklist of questions – one of which was around training.

“Over time it’s become the norm, so I don’t have to ask anymore. Colleagues have a clear understanding that completing training means they have the skills and knowledge to keep themselves, their colleagues and our patients safe.

“I’m proud that they feel empowered to check that they have time allocated to training as part of their role, and I know they will happily ask their manager to plan time in the roster if it’s needed.

Rachel’s top tips for getting training completed include:

• Allocate time as part of induction – ideally in the first three weeks.
• Automatically roster time for training.
• Make sure there is a hot desk or two, so colleagues can move away from their normal workstation.
• Take advantage of quieter periods – like audit afternoons – to help your teams stay on the ball.
• Encourage healthy competition between teams.