An independent report has just been published into the experiences of staff in Health and Social Care during the public health emergency. Health and Social Care Everyone Matters Pulse Survey National Report 2020

The Pulse Survey asks 13 questions about overall well-being and staff experience of work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

83,656 health and social care workers took part in the survey across the whole of Scotland with a 40% return rate in Orkney.

Nearly 3/4 of those who completed the survey commented on the significant changes they had to deal with as a result of covid.

• 42% said they were working from home more than usual
• 22% were working in a different location
• 17% were performing a different role either within their own team or elsewhere

And a quarter of staff were having to also provide support for close family and/or friends as well as coping with the changes in their work. This led to increased pressures on themselves- balancing and dealing with what was expected of them.

Despite having to adapt so much to the pandemic both personally and professionally, staff still described their work experiences as on the whole good.

NHS Shetland came top as a Board staff would recommend to others as a good place to work. In contrast NHS Orkney came bottom of that poll. For individual staff wellbeing, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles had the best scores.

What issues were worrying staff were also recorded. Many are worried about the present and future arrangements for those they care for, workload pressures, management and communication. There were also worries about job security in the future.

And because these are the people in the frontline of the Covid response – they are worried about catching the virus with onward transmission to their family.

The report includes examples of good practice across health and social care services in Scotland illustrating support measures or strategies, both formal and informal. Staff also commented on the sense of pride they have in the work they have done in response to the pandemic and national emergency.

Jeane Freeman, Cabinet Secretary for Health, in the Scottish Government said:

“I have been deeply affected by the stories of some of those who have experienced change and hardship in their role and personal life. Like many of us this year, NHS and care staff have had personal worries and difficulties, but they have  continued to go above and beyond in the face of these challenges to ensure that fellow colleagues and the people that they care for feel supported, safe and recognised, throughout the pandemic period. 

“The commitment and pride felt across the service is truly remarkable.  I expect senior leaders and managers across health and social care to reflect seriously on this report, and show appreciation and value for the efforts made by staff and their achievements.”

Last weekend the Scottish Government announced a £500 pro rata Christmas bonus payment to all Health and Social Care workers as a thank you for their work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Cumulative Total #Covid19 in Orkney Reaches 38

Commenting on the bonus SNP MSP Maree Todd said:

“I am delighted to see their hard work and sacrifice recognised by the Scottish Government through this £500 payment.

“It is now up to the Tories at Westminster to make sure NHS staff receive payment in full, if not then all their clapping on their doorsteps in the early stages of the pandemic will be worth nothing.”