Saying thank you was top of the agenda when our CEO Owen Williams presented the Big Brief from CRH saying: "For all your blood, sweat and tears in really stressful conditions and amid real challenges, then all I can say is a heartfelt thank you!”

In the session on Tuesday which was also shared by Director of Planning, Performance, Estates and Facilities, Lesley Hill at HRI, Owen also talked about:

Where we're doing well

Meeting our Emergency Care Standard: “When I look at our near neighbours, this is absolutely fantastic. But it's not just about our front line colleagues, it is about the colleagues in community doing all they can to prevent and reduce admissions. It is about fantastic care inside the department and about our admissions and that is where the rest of the hospital kicks in. Our record is something that every single person in this Trust should be proud of.”

Risks to our Trust 

This month's Big Brief explained about the main risks the Trust faces. Owen said about staffing: "We absolutely know that staffing isn’t what we would like it to be. Please do not think there is a team of senior people in a fantasy world thinking it is all ok. We are listening, we are doing what we can.”

And on our reconfiguration of services he added: “The target is to get our commissioners to go out to consultation in January.  We are on that journey.”

Sessions for colleagues on our 5 year plan (dates in the presentation)

"We need your help and I'm using the Big Brief as an advertisement to all of our colleagues; cleaners, ward sisters, matrons, consultants, community colleagues...if you have thoughts on how our services should be shaped please try and come along to these sessions. One of our four pillars is Work Together Get Results and this is a really good example of you being involved in shaping the 5 year plan."

The CQC inspection 

"This is a real, proper inspection. It used to be a sort of self-certification process but the world has changed. Around 60 to 70 inspectors will be here for a whole week including Saturdays and Sundays. Just as you are experts in your areas, they will be too. And all of them will be looking at how we provide care".

Our finances and what it means for care

“We, and I mean all the Board, will never compromise on patient care. We are last place with the lights on for our communities. When GPs are closed and 111 is not what it should be, where do they come?. To us”.

EPR

Talking about our moves to introduce new technologies Owen said: "We are going for the big one next year...EPR. There isn't a person in this room whose life will not be affected by it. Take a look at the website. Whether you work in finance, you're a nurse, or part of our community team you need to understand about it. Please do not wait for a session like this as being the only means of finding out about it and what it might mean for you".

The NHS Annual Survey

"My plea is that if you have one (and I don't know who does) please fill in the survey. I would rather know how you feel and have it straight than not have it all...not everyone has the opportunity to give us their thoughts. We really do listen to what is said to try and get to a place where we can respond."

The presentation is on the intranet for colleagues to view and share onward. 

The December Big Brief takes place at 8.30am on Tuesday 1 December in the Lecture Theatres at both sites.