NHS staff offered snack box or a ‘commemorative badge’ for covid efforts

Staff at Kent and Medway CCG – which was formed from eight CCGs in April – are also being offered the option of a commemorative badge, an extra day of annual leave or a voucher. They can suggest other options.

They had until 5pm on Friday to complete the survey, which management says is an attempt to find out what a “genuine and heartfelt thank you to each one of you to recognise your contribution” should look like.

“Going through a consultation and restructure process is never easy, and we went through it during a pandemic, while continuing to deliver our business as usual,” the message says. The restructuring is expected to lead to a number of redundancies, HSJ understands, although details are still to be finalised.

One staff member said: “I think this is really shoddy. We are facing potentially a bigger covid peak than the first one and it just feels like a bit of a slap in the face.”

Staff have also been prompted to say how their contribution can be recognised in the future. They are asked whether they support options including awards ceremonies, thank you cards, more badges and long service awards.

They are then asked to give details of a time when their work was recognised and they were genuinely thanked for their contribution. 

Wilf Williams, acccountable officer for the CCG said: “Engaging with and valuing staff is really important to us and we genuinely want staff to help us build the culture of the new organisation.

“A large number of staff have responded positively to the survey and welcomed the opportunity to give their opinion and we have had some great suggestions which we are considering as part of package of support and thanks for staff.

“Our staff have gone above and beyond in very difficult times this year and we want to build on the gratitude already shown.”

Updated: 10.30am 19 October with comment from the CCG