Teamwork* in the NHS – it’s not all about nurses and doctors

Last week, we had the second installation of wireless switches in our home. These switches, which can be placed anywhere, are fascinating. I have no idea how they work. The first installation was to restore some outside lighting, and to do so without having to dig channels or drill holes in the plaster work. The second was something similar, but inside the house this time.

Backtrack for a moment. J and I on one of our weekend walks, discovered an old barn shop selling furniture, paintings, and general bric-a-brac. Hidden amongst all this stuff was a mirror, which we both thought might look great in our hallway. So, after a bit of haggling we bought it. It was only then that we realised we were a couple of miles away from where we had parked the car.

Eventually, we were able to bring the mirror home and very excitedly put it up against the wall where we imagined it would look good. And it did, except it hung right over the hall light switch. Hence getting the electrician in to fit another wireless switch. He was able to blank off the existing switch, and again without any disturbance to the walls, provide us with a wireless switch a bit further down the hall. Although I’m happy to have a go at all kinds of DIY jobs, something like this is completely beyond my skill set and knowledge. It’s why we had to employ an electrician, someone who does know what they are doing and is qualified to do so.

Of course, there are many other such skilled and vital professionals in the world. Last week, the NHS for the first time ever, recognised the contribution such folk make to healthcare services every day of the year. Last Wednesday was the first National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day. It was a day for us all to reflect on the work done by these professionals and the value their contribution make to the experiences of our patients and our staff. Across the NHS in England, there are over 100,000 folk who work in Estates and Facilities (E&F). They make up some 8% of the NHS workforce. This group are made up of many different trades and professions, including porters, carpenters, switchboard operators, builders, caterers, engineers, gardeners, drivers, painters, laundry workers, security personnel, plumbers, medical equipment repairers and yes, electricians. In fact, there are over 300 distinct roles within the NHS E&F workforce.

The pandemic which shone a light on so many different aspects of our healthcare system, and the inequalities that are to be found in our communities, also brought into clear view the work our E&F colleagues do across the NHS. Like many of our clinical colleagues, E&F colleagues rose to the challenge of the pandemic often going above and beyond their normal duties to ensure our clinical environments were safe, clean and able to meet the unprecedented demands the NHS faced. I know in my own Trust, this was a more difficult task due to the age and state of many of our buildings, something that many other hospitals will also have encountered. 

The work of our E&F colleagues goes on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and lots of it is hidden from view. It’s a bit like housework. You don’t notice it until someone stops doing it. Often such work is taken for granted. I wonder who, in your home, makes sure there is always toilet paper in your loo?

Due to the nature of their work, E&F colleagues can often work on their own and most are not office or ward based. Many don’t have access to a work provided computer. During the pandemic, where so much wellbeing advice and care was on-line, some E&F colleagues struggled to access these services. It is an example of an unintended digital divide that occurs in many well-meaning and caring organisations. Effective communication is always important. During the pandemic it was even more so. Not having access to computer at work means some colleagues will find themselves quite isolated; so facilitating a sense of community and belonging can also be difficult. Difficult but not impossible. 

I like to go out and meet colleagues whenever I can. I go wherever they are working and whatever they are doing. One of my first visits when I joined the Trust was to our catering services. I was totally blown away by the scale of what they did each day. It was simply phenomenal. There was a tangible sense of purpose. All shared a sense of pride in the work as part of a very effective team.  Together they all made a contribution towards providing healthy, nourishing meals, snacks, and drinks for our patients, and so helping to look after their wellbeing. For me, the catering team are a great example of how it’s possible to create a culture that is driven by purpose, and that enables people through the work they do, to truly achieve real job satisfaction.

It was wonderful last Wednesday to be able to acknowledge the work and contribution each of our E&F colleagues make. Last Wednesday, all our E&F senior managers returned to the ‘shop floor’ for the day. Judging by the photos and messages on social media, I think everyone enjoyed themselves and had great fun too! Of course, the day wasn’t just about celebrating the work of our E&F colleagues. The day is also aimed at raising the awareness of these careers in the NHS. So often the NHS is only thought about in term of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, midwives and so on. The National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day was a chance to showcase some of these other non-clinical roles and career opportunities. As new technologies continue to be developed, these opportunities make for an even more exciting future. I still don’t understand how wireless switches work, but I’m glad I know someone does. It helps keep the lights on!

* I started thinking about teamwork after listening to the brilliant Life Scientific Radio 4 programme last week which featured the amazing Adam Hart - if you have a spare 30 mins, maybe make a cuppa and listen - totally enthralling