1 October 2019

The Trust that runs Shropshire’s two acute hospitals is supporting Freedom to Speak Up Month – a national campaign to increase awareness of how staff can raise concerns at work.

Among the initiatives being implemented throughout October at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) which runs The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) and The Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford, are Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) awareness stands, drop-in sessions and information to help signpost staff.

They are being led by the Trust’s three FTSU Guardians Kate Adney, Chan Kaur and Teresa Carrington.

FTSU Guardians exist in all NHS Trusts, and they act in an independent capacity to make hospitals safer for patients and staff by encouraging a more honest environment where raising concerns is common practice.

In addition to SaTH’s three Guardians, there are also more than 35 FTSU Advocates, who work on a voluntary basis and can provide informal and confidential guidance on how to raise a concern. They fulfil this role in addition to their regular jobs within the Trust; and they can be easily identified by their green lanyards and badges.

Kate Adney, FTSU Guardian, said: “We are proud to have three FTSU Guardians and many more Advocates at SaTH. Our growing numbers show a real commitment to the wellbeing and safety of our staff and patients.

“We have been working hard to strengthen the profile and presence of the important work we do across the Trust, so October’s Freedom to Speak Up month is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the message that raising a concern isn’t disloyal, and that all wrongdoing, poor practice or bullying will be addressed immediately and dealt with.”

Throughout October, there will be:

  • Awareness stands outside the canteens at both hospital sites
  • Junior doctor drop in sessions from 12pm-1.30pm on 8 October at PRH Doctors’ Mess and from 12pm-1.30pm at RSH Doctors’ Mess
  • Advocates packs, which will be distributed throughout October, containing branded bags, pens, coffee mugs and a number of tools to help raise awareness of FTSU
  • The launch of a FTSU animation to help SaTH staff to raise a concern