Staff job satisfaction 'below average' (From Watford Observer)

Staff job satisfaction 'below average'

8:09am Thursday 10th April 2008

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Job satisfaction among staff working for the Trust that runs Watford General Hospital has risen over the past year.

However, the results of a nationwide survey carried out by a health watchdog show morale at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust is still "below average" compared to other acute trusts in England.

Between October and December last year, staff were asked for their views and experiences of working for the NHS, as part of an annual survey by the Healthcare Commission.

The survey was sent to a random sample of 837 workers in West Herts, with a response rate of 40 per cent.

And the results from staff working in West Hertfordshire's three hospitals - Watford General, Hemel Hempstead General Hospital and St Albans City Hospital - reveal they consider the quality of their work life balance to have risen, alongside the quality of their job design, the support they receive from their managers and their overall job satisfaction.

In addition, the number of staff intending to leave their jobs fell from 2006 figures and the number of people who suffered work-related stress fell from 39 per cent in 2006 to 35 per cent in 2007.

Staff, however, also felt work pressure has risen and the availability of hand washing materials, designed to keep hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA and C-diff at bay, had dropped.

A Trust representative said: "The West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust recognise there are a number of areas highlighted in the recent survey, which need further attention. Our aim is to continue to focus on supporting staff through the changes and ensuring they are aware of the guidance and support available to them.

"The survey for 2007 showed some encouraging improvements in staff responses. This year we have taken the data from the 2006 and 2007 surveys which will help us shape our development plans - key in this analysis is the need for the Trust to improve staff management and communication skills and we are working on both of these topics.

"As an organisation we are in a period of significant change to services the outcome of which will be improved quality of care to local people. However, periods of change can adversely affect staff morale and as a Trust we are committed to working with staff and trade union colleagues to minimise any adverse impact of these changes."

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