09.28.06
Thursday Thirteen #27
Thirteen Things About Life in the NHS this week
- Our organisation ceases to exist on 30th September, next week 4 primary care trusts merge to become one
- At least a dozen people have left or are leaving
- The new directors will be announced next week
- The place feels like it has no chiefs at the moment (or any that are actually doing very much)
- It feels like there is little point in putting too much effort into things as we don’t know if some of it will be for nothing.
- That is not to say I am not doing anything, or indeed not putting any effort in because I am!
- I am waiting to hear about my agenda for change appeal. This is now urgent, as I need to be able to apply for the right types of jobs with the right pay level when they become available. This also involves applying for my own job.
- It is quite sad, but as one of my team said this afternoon, exciting too. We are entering a new era of the NHS.
- I met with a great team of nurses today who are in the middle of developing a new service, having to learn new skills both clinical and managerial. They are doing a good job, but are not necessarily being told that by their own managers. I am trying to help them to find their voices to get their managers to hear how that makes them feel.
- I am about to start mentoring 2 nurses who have just started a community matron course, that should be interesting. I must admit I enjoy the supportive part of my role, it is nicer than managing people in a way, because you haven’t got the worry that you are their manager too!
- I had a finance meeting today, my budget could be described as ‘virtual’. Still no sign of any funding for training, and who knows if there will be any at all. I think the department of health are keeping quiet for a good reason.
- Pay day today, and I am about to have a glass of wine. There have to be some perks to the kind of week I have been having.
- I still like working in the NHS, it is just sometimes challenging to be part of it! But next week is about new beginnings. Watch this space!!
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amy said,
September 28, 2006 at 8:55 pm
Im also starting to mentor new nurses..Good list. Thanks for posting
Brony said,
September 28, 2006 at 9:23 pm
Sounds like a lot of changes.
Happy TT!
Tink said,
September 29, 2006 at 5:54 pm
Pfew, that’s not the nicest situation! I hope everything turns out for the best for everyone involved!
My TT was up early, but I’m doing my round today!
NHS Manager said,
September 29, 2006 at 9:01 pm
I know what you mean about lack of leadership - no-one will make decisions which may be overturned…
Oh, and AfC back pay is great!
Neil Wilkinson said,
September 29, 2006 at 10:08 pm
Sorry to read about yr precarious situation Julie. Same over here in the West Country. Three PCTs are merging into Gloucstersire PCT. Jobs gone or fixed term contracts not renewed. The old PCT had a training department comprising 2 part time people, plus the use of Clinical Skills Lab at the hospital.
I think that says how seriously training is regarded don’t you?
Myself, as a Band 6 D/N, I’m pretty safe from things like redundancy for the time being. And practice based commissioning hasn’t taken off yet. Guess its the same everywhere.
I wouldn’t say nurses are pissed off here, more apathetic re yet more changes. When will HMG let us settle down.
ATB, Neil
Julie said,
September 30, 2006 at 8:16 am
AFC backpay - yes looking forward to it if I ever get any! Thanks NHS manager for your comments.
Neil, thanks for commenting, I think clinical staff are feeling pretty much the same in my neck of the woods. It is very sad that training is given such little importance, seeing as they want new services and people don’t find out how to do new jobs on their own! All I can say is watch this space!
Kieran said,
October 2, 2006 at 2:55 pm
Hi Julie
Here’s where your training budget is headed Health authorities using staff training funds to cut deficits
Julie said,
October 2, 2006 at 6:30 pm
Thanks Kieran, that is exactly what we thought was happening. What annoys me most though is that no one is telling us where the money is, we are just expected to sit waiting! Meanwhile we have services to be redesigned and staff needing training. This will just lead to a bigger deficit!