Governors’ update 10 11 Staff survey results provide insight into life after merger The 2025 staff survey results are in – and the RFL has exceeded the national scores in the majority of survey categories. The results are the first to combine responses from colleagues at North Mid with BH, CFH and group clinical services, and the RFH, providing our first benchmark as a single enlarged trust. More than 9,000 colleagues took the time to share their feedback – a response rate of 52%. The staff survey helps identify areas where the trust is performing well and where improvements need to be made to enhance staff experience. Our results The trust scored higher than the national average in seven out of nine of the survey categories, with staff engagement and morale scoring well above. Over 62% of staff said they would recommend the RFL as a place to work, 4% above the national average. Similarly, 64% said they would be happy for a friend or relative to be treated at our hospitals – 3% higher than national trends. Compared to NHS averages, more colleagues felt their appraisal process helped improve the job they do (40%), facilitated clearer objectives for their work (46%), and helped them feel their work is valued (40%). Areas of focus Feedback from the survey also highlighted that we need to enhance staff voices and access to development opportunities. We also need to maintain our efforts to address bullying, harassment and abuse within the organisation. Peter Landstrom, group chief executive of the RFL, reflected: “Thank you – your voices have helped paint a vivid and authentic picture of life at the Royal Free London. Even amid the significant organisational change we’ve had over the last year, it’s inspiring to see our results reflect stability, resilience, and a continued sense of positivity. “A key part of the survey is also understanding what initiatives will help make the Royal Free London the very best place to work. One of our top priorities will be strengthening access to our freedom to speak up service and empowering staff to raise issues that matter to them, while continuing to foster a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace culture where bullying, racism, harassment and abuse of any kind are not tolerated.” What’s next Work will now take place to address areas needing improvement. Our health units will review their local results alongside organisational-wide actions being agreed. We will also identify what is working well and share best practice across the trust. Read our staff survey results in full on Freenet. Become a member of the RFL and help make a difference You can become a member of the RFL for free if you live in England, are 16 or over, or are a carer for a patient that is under 16 years old. By becoming a member, you’ll be able to stand for election as a RFL governor or elect governors to represent your interests, keep up to date with the latest developments and news, and be invited to events at about local health services. More information can be found on our website, or you can email rf.membership@nhs.net. Governors and NEDs explore surgical innovation and emergency care Meet your new governors Last October, we were delighted to welcome 10 new governors to the council across all constituencies. Below, you can get to know some of your newly elected staff governors. We will introduce our other new governors in future editions of Freepress. • Georgia Lucas qualified as a medical doctor in 2018 and became a GP in 2023. She is currently the clinical lead of Capetown and Canterbury wards at CFH and also serves as a GP in the community. Georgia has a strong interest in integrated care, functional rehabilitation, and improving patient flow between hospital and primary care. • Jasmin Mathew has over two decades of experience working within the NHS as a nurse. She plays an active role in the training and development of staff and prospective nurses. Jasmin is passionate about driving improvements in patient safety and experience. • Olaniyi Alajiki has worked at the trust since 2019 and is a healthcare assistant at North Mid. He is a local resident who is dedicated to reducing healthcare inequalities. Governors and non-executive directors (NEDs) were given a close-up look at the life‑saving work taking place inside RFH’s theatres and intensive care unit, and BH’s emergency department during the first ‘go see’ visits of the year. A highlight of the visit to RFH’s theatres was witnessing the hospital’s newest da Vinci Xi surgical robot, funded by the Royal Free Charity, in action during liver surgery. It offered a compelling insight into how advanced technology is transforming surgical precision and improving patient outcomes. The next visit focused on BH’s newly redeveloped emergency department. Governors and NEDs took part in a detailed walk through of a patient’s journey through the department – from arrival, whether by ambulance or self‑presentation, through to discharge or admission to a ward. Across both visits, governors and NEDs saw first‑hand the unwavering commitment of staff and the realities of delivering care in high‑pressure, high‑demand settings. January ‘go see’ visit with theatres and liver critical care unit teams at RFH Georgia Lucas Olaniyi Alajiki Jasmin Mathew
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTI5NzM=