CSS News

23 June 2024

Dear Colleague,

This week’s message is longer than usual as I would like to take the opportunity to update you on some key priorities for MFT over the coming weeks and months.

Last month, I described a review that was underway into the effectiveness of our ways of working. This was to determine if there are things we need to do differently to be in the best possible position to deliver our new strategy, and to strengthen the support we provide to all front-line colleagues. Since then, we have consulted with those directly affected on a set of proposals to streamline our decision making, create smarter ways of working, and bring the leadership of our Hospitals, Managed Clinical Services and Local Care Organisations closer to the MFT executive team. We have now received feedback on the initial proposals and are currently considering the wide range of views expressed through the process. We will make sure we continue to update you as this work progresses.

Making the best use of the £2.8bn of resources we plan to spend this year will be critical to the delivery of our financial plan. Just like many other Trusts across the NHS, we need to work through the range of opportunities we have to work differently in some areas. This does not mean asking anyone to work harder, but it does mean sorting out the issues that often get in the way of us being as effective and efficient as we need and want to be. Our approach to this includes, for example, implementing ‘getting it right first time’ guidance, taking steps to eliminate duplication, or making greater use of technology to enhance patient care. We will also need to embrace new commercial and strategic partnership opportunities where they create additional value. Where we are able to improve how we work, this can lead to opportunities to spend less, make savings, and allow us to make investments in additional areas.

There is already some great work going on across all parts of the Trust. For example, colleagues at RMCH have safely adjusted their CO2 filter line usage in theatres, saving their department nearly £40,000 every year, as well as positively impacting on the environment by producing less plastic waste.  

To support us in these efforts, we need your help and insights. I am sure, from the conversations I have while visiting many teams across the Trust, you will have thoughts and ideas about areas where we can make a difference. If there any meaningful changes you think your team can make, please let us know. You can submit your ideas, no matter how big or small, by completing our online form here.  We will be sharing some of the best examples and case studies throughout the year.

Next week will see the start of a further period of industrial action by Junior Doctors across the NHS that will run from Thursday 27 June until Tuesday 2 July. As with previous periods of industrial action, our collective efforts will continue to ensure that we provide safe services to our patients and keep disruptions to a minimum. Thank you to everyone involved in the preparation and planning across all clinical and admin teams.

This Friday, we marked National Flexible Working Day. Flexible working looks different for everyone and our policies include a variety of options designed to accommodate the diverse needs of colleagues who work at MFT. Our Flexible Working Policy sets out how we can support flexible working while also ensuring that it works for our teams and for the service as a whole. You can read the policy here.

Finally, in my message two weeks ago, I talked about the importance of becoming a truly data driven organisation, and the introduction of a new digital service called Public View. This is a benchmarking and reporting service that will enable us see what we do well and identify those areas where we have an opportunities to improve. From today, all MFT colleagues can access Public View and learn more about the insights it can provide. Please sign up here.

Thank you for all you do.

Mark

Mark Cubbon

Group Chief Executive