Chief Executive Fortnightly Blog to NHS Orkney Staff – our Confidential Contacts are here to support you
Message for All NHS Orkney Staff
Our Confidential Contacts are here to listen and signpost you to support
I’m absolutely determined that we create a culture here where you feel safe speaking up when you have concerns – including safety concerns – and know where to go to share feedback or speak to someone to get advice on what to do and where to go next.
I recently shared a communication which summarised the many ways in which you can share your feedback with us (the menu of options for ‘the ways we listen’) – as follows:
- Your Line Manager
- Employee Director and Unions
- Patient Safety, Quality and Risk Team
- Confidential Contacts (we have 3 Confidential Contacts at NHS Orkney)
- Lead Executive for Whistleblowing (CEO)
- Counter Fraud
- Whistleblowing Champion
- Independent National Whistleblowing Officer
Access the Blog link for further information for all of these contacts.
One of the options for you to turn to, as above, if you have a concern are our Confidential Contacts who have a vital and valuable role in supporting an open culture in the NHS. They enable people to speak up who otherwise might not have their voice heard and are a first point of contact for anyone delivering an NHS service. They can give advice and information on the whistleblowing process and help people to raise their concerns with the right manager.
Confidential Contacts are trained individuals who are members of Team Orkney. They provide a safe space for you to discuss any concerns you may have. They will listen, present options to you to help you make informed decisions and will signpost you to appropriate support so that your concern or worry can be listened to and resolved in the way you wish. Your wishes will also be respected, including confidentiality and anonymity if you choose this.
We have three Confidential Contacts who are here to listen and support you at NHS Orkney. They are:
Kate Smith, Lead CT Radiographer
Email: kate.smith@nhs.scot, Phone: 01856 888920
Sharon Smith, Head of Facilities and NPD Contract
Email: sharon.smith5@nhs.scot, Phone: 01856 888990
Mandy Ward, Facilities Manager
Email: mandy.ward@nhs.scot,Phone: 01856 888919
For more information – access the Blog link and details can also be found on our website here: https://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/confidential-contacts
If you feel unable to speak to your line manager, which I would always suggest should be your first point of contact, please know you can always contact our Confidential Contacts or me directly via laura.skaife-knight@nhs.scot or via Teams/my mobile 07766083251. We will aways listen, help or signpost you to appropriate support.
Where it is needed, recognising we are a small Board and the challenges that can come with this, we will always consider whether support from another Health Board or suggesting that another independent person considers cases and concerns is a better way forward. We give this careful thought on a case by case basis, especially for whistleblowing cases – so that we have every option available to us and you.
We are here, listening and want to support you, so you feel safe at work and know there are places to go where you will be supported and heard if you ever want to talk.
Thank you.
Laura Skaife-Knight
Chief Executive