Staff stress and work-related health problems at an NHS trust providing mental health services in Redbridge are worse than nationally.
The results of the latest NHS Staff Survey show North East London NHS Foundation Trust (Nelft) was rated below average when compared to similar trusts nationally in 20 of 32 categories.
Two thirds of staff at Nelft said they had attended work in the last three months despite feeling unwell because of pressure from colleagues, managers or themselves.
Thirty-eight per cent reported feeling unwell due to work-related stress in the last year.
John Cryer, MP for Leyton and Wanstead, said: “I am disappointed but not surprised that NHS staff morale is at a low point. With financial pressures at unmanageable levels, increasing demands and great uncertainty, staff are exposed to difficult working conditions.”
He said quality of life for those working in the NHS was being “profoundly damaged”.
The survey also found staff confidence in reporting clinically unsafe practice was below average.
But employees were satisfied with levels of responsibility and support they received from managers.
A Nelft spokesman said: “While it is disappointing that the staff survey figures are slightly down in some categories, the results were similar to what we expected after the disappointing CQC inspection report and its effect on staff morale.”
A Care Quality Commission (CQC) report last September found the trust “required improvement”.
Services at the Brookside unit at Goodmayes Hospital – Nelft’s child and adolescent mental health wards – were also heavily criticised.
“Since the survey was completed our Brookside Unit has received a glowing endorsement from the CQC,” said Nelft.
“With that and the resources being put into staff wellbeing, we believe the trust is in a more positive position than results imply.”
HOW DID NELFT COMPARE TO OTHER NHS TRUSTS?
The NHS Staff Survey shows how North East London NHS Foundation Trust (Nelft) staff rated their employer compared to combined mental health or learning disability and community trusts nationwide.
BETTER THAN AVERAGE
* 11 per cent of staff experienced physical violence from patients, relatives or the public in the last 12 months (15pc nationally).
* 90pc of staff agreed their role made a difference to patients (89pc nationally).
WORSE THAN AVERAGE
* 67pc of staff attended work in the last three months despite feeling unwell because of pressure from a manager, colleague or themselves (55pc nationally).
* Only 50pc of staff said they would recommend Nelft as a workplace (57pc nationally).
* 55pc of staff would be happy with the standard of care provided by Nelft if a friend or relative needed treatment (66pc nationally).
Explore the findings in more detail via the NHS staff survey website
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