1998/1999 Annual Review - Working Together

1998 saw the launch of the first Human Resources Strategy for the National Health Service - ‘Working Together’, which made clear that the effective management and development of staff was a crucial part of the Government’s modernisation plan for the NHS. (Photo:Chris Lee, Medical Physicist)

We believe that at CCO we are already working towards the recommendations set out within the strategy, and the past 12 months have enabled us to progress significantly.

In October 1998, CCO formally committed itself to working towards the Investors in People quality standard. As a result of this commitment, a new Training and Development policy has been developed along with the implementation of a multi-professional Induction Programme. The Centre continues to strive for all employees to have an annual appraisal and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) remains an important feature of employment for all staff. (Photo: Personnel Department)

We were pleased to achieve accreditation under the New Deal, which regulates the working hours and welfare needs of junior doctors. CCO received particular praise for the improvements that have been implemented for on-call accommodation and provision of meals.

Underpinning our work is a commitment to a philosophy of fairness at work and we have worked closely and constructively with Staff Representatives of recognised Trade Unions to monitor and further develop our policies and working practices. (Photo: Steve Smith, Senior House Officer)

CCO has set a new standard for Radiotherapy Centres by introducing weekend working for our Physicists and Technical Staff. This flexibility has allowed an increased number of patients to be treated each week and thereby reduce our waiting lists.

The Trust recognises the important contribution that effective communication and staff involvement can make in the achievement of its service objectives. For this reason a wide range of staff have continued to participate in working groups to propose quality improvements and lead changes within the organisation. The Inglewood Focus Groups and the ROSE Project are two such examples. (Photo: ENB 237 Oncology Course students)

We believe much has been achieved in the past year but the results will become truly evident over the next twelve months. We need to continue working closely together in order to meet the standards set out to become an Investor in People and to satisfy the requirements of the ‘Working Together’ human resources strategy.