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Agile working – An update from Richard Beeken

December 6, 2024

Our Chief Executive, Richard Beeken, has released an update following queries around agile working at Midland Met. After discussions with the Trust executives, the information below was released in a Trust-wide email that you should have received earlier.

Dear Colleagues,

I am aware of and understand the significant concern that continues to be expressed regarding how we safely and appropriately adapt to agile working at our new hospital.  We informed the organisation that the executive team had requested detailed work to be done on how to alleviate some issues and reinforce principles.  I can confirm we have now met to discuss and our decisions are as follows:

  1. Clinical MDT Agile Zones will be created on level 6,7 & 9.
  2. Three distinct agile zones agreed.
  3. Clinical Zones, Generic Zones and Named Zones

Space Utilisation Group

We will establish a ‘Space Utilisation Group’ going forward to effectively manage, plan, and optimise the use of building space, ensuring it aligns with the organisation’s operational needs, future space trends, sustainability goals and adheres to the wider Estates Strategy. Leadership in the group will have a mandate to work collaboratively with teams to address any agile working concerns.

Terms of Reference, suggested membership and objectives for agreement will be produced very shortly.  This will be the way all future space utilisation requests will be managed, across all our campuses and buildings.

Space for Resident Doctors, Nurse Specialists and AHPs and Ward Managers

The principle of Day rooms at ward entrances to be available for use by Resident Doctors, Nurse Specialists and AHPs. On a case by case basis we will assess the appropriate locations for Ward Manager’s Offices and Interview rooms. Ward Managers will be contacted to agree layouts and carry out any risk assessments required.

Space for Non-Clinical Teams

Non-clinical teams and corporate support services should be predominately based within the Health Campuses. There is not space for these teams to have permanent bases in MMUH.

Equipment

Grab bags containing Winscribe dictation hardware, and noise cancelling headphones will be made available within agile working areas to facilitate staff completing their work on site at MMUH.  Going forward we will be assessing the equipment needs of certain roles to ensure that all staff have the right equipment to undertake their jobs in much the same way that mobile phones and laptops are issued.

Confidential Booths

We will assess the need for additional confidential spaces as part of the post 100-day review work.

On site visits

Key services will identified by service leads for a site visit to discuss bespoke needs and work on solutions.  These visits will take place during December

We are keen to maintain the principles of agile working and not deviate from those principles, while acknowledging that some pragmatic changes will need to be made to reflect the different needs of our clinical and non-clinical services.