Studies repeatedly demonstrate that happier, more fulfilled staff provide better healthcare for their patients.
Flexible working supports many Bridgewater colleagues to have a better work-life balance, enhancing their lives and supporting them to give patients the very best in care.
Sharing best practice
Now, the Trust has been able to share its best practice in this area, through a specially produced video showcasing Bridgewater’s ‘Making Flexible Work’ initiative.
The film helped to open NHS Employers’ Staff Experience in the NHS: Navigating Challenges and Change Together” conference, Tuesday 18 November.
With an agenda including keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and case studies focused on transformational change, staff wellbeing, and the government’s Ten Year Health Plan, this national event bought together NHS professionals to explore how positive staff experiences can be sustained in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
Health Visitor Avril Smith promoting flexible work-life balance.
Improving patient care
Shown as part of the Chair’s introduction, the video features colleagues from across the Trust, sharing their experiences of flexible working and explaining how it benefits them and their patients.
Since working flexibly, staff at Bridgewater’s Paediatric Audiology Service in St Helens have been able to offer before and after school appointment slots for families, for example.
Following the screening of the video, Conference Chair Jen Gardner, Assistant Director, NHS Employers, said:
“As we know, part of the Ten Year [Health] Plan, NHS People Promise and a focus of the new, to be developed Staff Standards, will likely be on flexible working, so that our workforce doesn’t have to sacrifice their family, their friends or their interests for work and are aware of the opportunities that they can take up for flexible working. The work Bridgewater have done is a fabulous example of just that.”
She added that the Trust has highlighted “the reality of what is possible with that commitment, engagement, open and honest conversation, a solution focused mindset – and just positivity all round.”
The film was very well received by conference delegates, with one stating that they “will definitely be borrowing this for leadership development opportunities” and another describing it as “an excellent example of supporting staff, I found it very inspiring.”
Speaking about the initiative, Paula Woods, Bridgewater’s Director of People and Organisational Development said:
“We recognise just how important it is to look after our people and their wellbeing – not only for them, but our patients, too.
“That’s why we’ve worked so hard on our ‘Making Flexible Work’ initiative. It’s enabled us to have a dialogue right across the organisation about the possibilities of flexible working and the opportunities it brings. As always, our approaches carefully consider and have due regard for service delivery, patient care and experience.
“We’re proud to be part of this national conversation and to be able to share the innovative work that’s happening within the Trust.”
The film, which will also be promoted as part of NHS England’s refreshed flexible working toolkit, can be viewed on NHS Employers website, along with a more detailed case study about Bridgewater’s ‘Making Flexible Work’ initiative.