We highlighted in the last issue of Staff News that a Speak Up service had been introduced in NHS Forth Valley to help encourage and support you to raise any concerns you have in the workplace.
The Speak Up service aims to ensure your voice is heard, make it easier to raise concerns and ensure you feel supported when doing so. It is open to all NHS Forth Valley employees.
In the last issue, we also introduced our two new Speak Up Ambassadors – Dr Catherine Maclean, Consultant and Clinical Lead for Acute Medicine and Pauline Donnelly, Person-Centred and Patient Experience Coordinator. They provide a confidential, impartial service where you can discuss concerns in a safe space or just need some support, advice or information. Both Speak Up Ambassadors also act as confidential contacts for any concerns raised through the revised national Whistleblowing procedures which were rolled out in NHS Forth Valley in April 2021.
In this issue we introduce three of the six new Speak Up Advocates who describe why they were keen to undertake this new role and why it’s so important for staff to talk to someone if they have any concerns at work.
Adele Manson
Adverse Event Review Co-ordinator
“It is incredibly important for NHS Forth Valley staff to have a safe space whereby they can speak honestly, openly and without fear of judgement or recrimination.
“I am passionate about supporting a service which will provide this type of open communication and am confident the Speak Up service will enhance the working environment and day to day working lives of colleagues.”
Richard Payne
Clinical Psychologist
“Maybe we often approach things with a view which says: “if in doubt keep quiet.”
Maybe it serves us and the NHS well when we take an approach which says: “if in doubt – maybe have a word with someone?”
Maureen Santosh
Department Administrator and PA, AHP Children’s Services
“Having the opportunity to speak up and feel listened to, helps in developing a healthier workplace.
“I have been involved in supporting staff through mentoring and organising Children in Need events and I look forward to being a Speak Up Advocate.”
In the next issue we will hear from the other three Speak Up Advocates but, in the meantime, you can find their names and more information about the new Speak Up service on the Speak Up section of the NHS Forth Valley website.
You can contact the Speak Up service by emailing fv.speakup@nhs.scot or call 07815 478 117. Messages and emails are only accessible to our two local Speak Up Ambassadors.
