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Speaking up, raising concerns

Sometimes staff find it difficult to speak up about issues affecting patient safety or staff experience. They may not know who to speak up to. They may feel that anything they do raise might not be taken seriously, or that nothing will be done as a result. Staff highlighting where care or practice could be better gives The Christie the opportunity to review, make improvements and achieve the highest possible standards of service and care for our patients. The Trust board is committed to listening, addressing the concerns in a constructive way and providing the support staff need during and after raising their concern. Support can be given by a manager, a trade union representative, a colleague or the freedom to speak up guardian. October was national speak up month (#speakuptome) and to highlight the importance of speaking up, Sue Mahjoob, the freedom to speak up guardian was present in the Oak Road main entrance reception area to provide information and raise awareness.

“Vocalising my concerns to the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian was stressful; I felt like a ‘snitch’ and was close to tears. It wasn’t a particularly comfortable experience but it was so much better than I had imagined it would be. She asked what I wanted her to do, she made me feel safe.” Staff member

“The saying ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ had a nugget of truth about it. Maybe not halved but certainly reduced.” Staff member

Keep on running Well done to the critical care team, who ran 10K for The Christie charity in June. They raised an impressive total of £1,908 – £400 above their target. “As a manager, my experience of staff wanting to raise concerns was that initially, I found it difficult and upsetting hearing what the staff had to say with regards to concerns about my department. However, we worked through the concerns as a team and I feel that by the staff raising concerns they had with me, it made for a better working environment.” Manager

SPEAK UP: Salford radiographer Nikki Martin with freedom to speak up guardian Sue Mahjoob

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