An overhaul of training in the operational services directorate
of Great Ormond Street Hospital has resulted in it being awarded an Investors
in People award.
The Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust has
introduced NVQs for its ancillary staff in the department to give them a nationally
recognised qualification.
Geoff Speed, team leader for staff development at
operational services, said, “We wanted to make staff feel valued in their role.
This will give them satisfaction as well as increasing their employability.”
An external review of the department’s training needs
eighteen months ago, revealed that communication and training needed to be
improved.
The department decided to introduce NVQs to cater for the
needs of staff as diverse as porters, logistic workers and catering staff.
Courses launched so far, include customer care, procurement
and food preparation.
Communications were improved by setting up notice boards
throughout the operational services directorate.
These advertise the NVQs, give details of the training
calendar and report on departmental team meetings.
Managers are also being encouraged to hold team briefings to
filter information from the board down to the staff, added Speed.
There are about 220 staff in the operational services directorate,
including catering staff, porters, procurement and logistics workers.
By Karen Higginbottom
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