Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Yesterday I met with TEWV Chief, Brent Kilmurray, to learn more about the Trust's "journey to change”– a five year plan to turn itself around.
Mr Kilmurray explained to me that the golden thread through his plan is around culture and addressing many of the specific issues which was identified at the very beginning of this journey of recovery.
Since the last inspection the Trust have recruited 70 health care assistants are working with local universities to support the recruitment of registered nurses.
This is in addition to developing an international recruitment strategy which I am told is already making a difference.
I was also pleased to hear that the Trust has established health care assistant council and one for nurses to improve how colleagues contribute to the quality of care within the trust.
Mr Kilmurray also reassured me that he is focused on creating a community on wards, through the work staff do with their recovery and outcomes team who put on events and activities for people in their care that help their recovery.
Most importantly, he agreed with me that that there is more to be done. This includes an unrelenting focus on patient safety with an absolute priority being on safe staffing and safeguarding of patients.
I will continue to monitor the situation in the TEWV very closely.
