News

The results of the annual NHS Staff survey have been released and show that First Community is the best provider of NHS care to work for in the whole country.

Sarah Tomkins, Chief Executive said: “I am overwhelmed by the high standards of our results, some of which are the highest we have ever achieved.  First rate care by first rate people is at centre of all our decision making and these results clearly show these values in action:

First Community’s Podiatry Service provides assessment and treatment for patients with a range of foot problems, particularly those at risk of complications resulting from conditions such as diabetes, arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and vascular disease.

How to access the service

Patients registered with an east Surrey GP practice can access the Podiatry Service via a referral from their GP or consultant or by self-referring. 

Self-referral

Today, as part of National Apprenticeship Week, First Community hosted a celebration event to recognise members of staff who have successfully completed their apprenticeship qualifications this year. 

Four colleagues successfully completed their apprenticeship programmes which included a Pharmacy services level 2 apprenticeship, Digital & IT technology solutions degree apprenticeship, Registered nurse degree apprenticeship and a postgraduate degree apprenticeship to become a Registered Dietitian.

Colleagues from First Community have been out and about in recent weeks attending career events aimed at encouraging young people to consider a future career in healthcare.

Dawn Huish, Apprenticeship and Widening Participation lead and Alison Maitland, Practice Development Nurse were joined by Nandi Botha, Clinical Team Lead for Paediatric Occupational Therapy at the ‘Meet the Practitioner’ careers event at East Surrey Hospital in November. 

The Falls Prevention Service provides specialist care for patients who are at risk of falling or who have had a fall.

The team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists provide support and care to maximise people’s independence and minimise their risk of falling in the future.

The team visit patients in their own home or residential care home to assess their mobility, balance and muscle strength and consider all the main risk factors associated with falls. 

The National Guardian’s Office Annual Report was laid before Parliament today, highlighting the work of Freedom to Speak Up Guardians and the National Guardian’s Office.

The report shares learning which indicates that more work is needed for speaking up to be described as business as usual in the healthcare sector in England.

The report features case studies from across England, illustrating the difference Freedom to Speak Up Guardians are making and examples of how healthcare workers are being supported to speak up for patient safety and worker wellbeing.

On 1 November 2023, First Community welcomed Keith Moss as Non-Executive Director. Keith will replace Bryan Ingeby who comes to the end of his term on 28 February 2024.

Keith joins Debbie Stubblefield and Fiona Smith as a NED who are responsible for contributing to the organisation’s strategic direction and governance of performance and resources.

In 2021 First Community launched its First Community Network to enable the public to have more input into the way community health services are provided and developed.

With 15 registered volunteers currently part of the network, the organisation is now looking to expand the membership to gain further insight and opinions of those in the community it serves. 

Local charity Friends of Caterham Dene Hospital have raised £25,000 to fund a new ultrasound machine, enhancing Caterham Dene Hospital’s diagnostic capabilities and patient care.

On 20 September 2023 members of First Community’s Integrated Clinical Assessment and Treatment (ICATS) service were delighted to meet with trustees from the Friends of Caterham Dene Hospital for the official handover of the machine (pictured above). 

Last week First Community signed up to the Sexual Safety in Healthcare Charter which NHS England launched earlier this month. Signatories to this charter commit to taking and enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to any unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours within the workplace, and to ten core principles and actions to help achieve this.

By signing up to the charter First Community is showing how committed the organisation is and the need to raise the profile of sexual safety. First Community aims to implement all actions by July 2024.