Dr Jayne Chidgey-Clark, National Guardian for the NHS said,
“I called for the independent review of the culture in the ambulance sector in The National Guardian’s Office Speak Up Review and Listening to Workers report, after finding that the culture in ambulance trusts was having a negative impact on workers’ ability to Speak Up.
“I welcome the findings and recommendations in NHS England’s publication of their culture review of ambulance trusts. This important report echoes some of the desperate stories workers told us in our Speak Up review – of a working environment where people experienced sexual harassment, racism and bullying. This report amplifies our observation, that regulators and leaders must put staff experience on an equal footing with patient outcomes.
“Ambulance workers care for people in their most vulnerable moments. Their wellbeing has a direct impact on the safety of patients. It is essential that we ensure that we listen to what ambulance workers are telling us. If we are to attract and retain these committed and caring workers, we must ourselves show we care by listening and taking action.
“I particularly welcome the recommendation for ambulance trusts to ensure the effectiveness of Freedom to Speak Up functions to allow staff to report discrimination and harassment without fear of reprisal, by upholding policies, providing training to all staff and ensuring effectiveness of Freedom to Speak Up routes.
“To achieve the culture change we want to see in ambulance trusts, we must all – leaders, regulators and colleagues – make it our responsibility to foster a Speak Up, Listen Up, Follow Up culture.
“I look forward to supporting NHS England, Integrated Care Boards and Ambulance Trusts to implement the recommendations, all working together to improve the experiences of ambulance workers and their patients.”
