11.09.18
Government launches digital platform for NHS staff to share views
The secretary of state for health Matt Hancock has set out plans to give over three million health and care professionals in England the opportunity to share their views with the government.
The new platform, ‘TalkHealthandCare,’ can be used by staff to share views and ideas and pose questions and challenges to the government as part of the policy making process on such issues as improving shift patterns, work life balance, faster adoption of helpful technology, and training and development.
TalkHealthandCare – which is available on computers, phones, and tablets and will include events, forums, and webinars – has been launched after staff feedback revealed they often did not feel valued at work.
An ongoing concern in the NHS is violence against staff— in particular paramedics and other frontline medics. Unison and GMB both revealed earlier this year a sharp rise in violence and threats including sexual violence and weapons against NHS staff.
The government hopes this new digital platform will allow health and care professionals to express their views on what needs to be done to make them feel safer at work.
The Department for Health and Social Care is also launching a new workforce panel for the secretary of state for health to use as a “sounding board” on staff issues.
Speaking to delegates in Bristol, Hancock said: “It’s time we hear from health and care staff about what they really have to say about the jobs that are at the heart of this country.
“Nobody knows what needs improving more than hard-working staff themselves, so my message is clear: we are listening to you, we want your views, and we will use them to ensure the long-term plan for the NHS helps you.”
Professor Jane Cummings, chief nursing officer for England, added: “Listening to the views of the frontline and understanding what matters to them will help us design a long-term plan that delivers for the public and makes the NHS a great place to work.”
This new digital platform follows a trend of digital innovations implemented by the former secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport. Already, he has announced the creation of the HealthTech Advisory Board, to be chaired by Ben Goldacre; and a £200m digital transformation fund along with five new NHS app trials.
Top images: PeopleImages
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