A CUMBRIAN health trust has apologised to staff after a 'dissapointing' report revealed low morale and concerns around work pressures at the organisation.

A survey conducted by North Cumbria Integrated Care Trust found that less than half of staff (46%) would recommend the trust as a workplace, as well as less than half of staff (49%) would be happy if a friend or relative needed treatment at the trust.

The trust have said they are planning to take swift action improve the 'dissapointing' results and ensure staff feel more supported as it invests in permanent staffing positions, which are described by the Chief Nurse as ‘game changing’.

Jill Foster, Chief Nurse said, “Through the survey staff are telling us they are concerned about work pressures and culture and morale is low and we are sorry that we have let them down at what has already been a very difficult time.”

“What’s important now is that we listen to this feedback and make real lasting changes, because we want NCIC to be a great place for everyone to work.

“We have discussed our results with the board and agreed to implement a large scale listening and engagement exercise which is a proven, award winning approach to inspiring change in the NHS that has been implemented in over 100 trusts. 

“To address work pressures we have already completed staffing reviews in A&E, maternity and acute nursing leading to over £10m investment in permanent positions, with other areas to follow.  This will create more opportunities locally for people to work in the NHS and grow and develop their career with us.”

In the meantime, the trust have taken actions to address some of the areas that concerns that were raised, including:

  • Our flexible working policy has been implemented and is starting to roll out and a new health and wellbeing offer is being developed and will be launched during May.
  • We are backing a union led campaign to encourage everyone to do their bit to root out unacceptable behaviours across the organisation in line with our values.

Jill added, “I know all of these things will take time to put into place and for colleagues to notice a different on the front line.  

"I’m confident that by this time next year, we will start to see improvements and NCIC will become better place for us all to work.”