Fast Track Investigations & Treatments for NHS Staff – Gabriela Maxwell

I am an NHS employee prepared for the role of a registered nurse in one of the finest universities – the University of Stirling. For the past 24 years, I have seen and experienced the many issues and challenges that nursing in the NHS faces. I have tried to view it from different perspectives, always aiming to keep objective.

I have had the benefit of experiencing different healthcare systems – I was not born here, nor did I grow up in the UK  and my nursing career has allowed me to work abroad. I have also had the experience of being a patient in three different countries, all of which has provided a range of perspectives to draw upon.

One issue I think worth reflecting on is considering that of comparing NHS staff privileges with those of other industries. Lately, the thought I mostly frequent is worry – I am worried that should my health start to fail would I still be able to do my job or return to it? My experiences to date with delays to treatment and investigations leave me feeling vulnerable as a result of seeing first-hand the dire consequences delays can cause. But that’s just one side of it.

The NHS is dependent upon the provision of care by staff who themselves might need treatment and health interventions. Delays in investigations and treatments as a result of staff shortages have an impact throughout the whole system for all patients. But these shortages are exacerbated by increasing staff absence due to their growing waiting times, which further contribute to overall delays in a vicious circle.

An illness requiring investigations and treatment unleashes a cascade of events impacting the staff member’s physical and mental health, which continues to deteriorate with an increasing recovery time and duration of absence, which then leads to deterioration in the NHS team functioning and morale, reduced staffing ratios and other staffing implications and ultimately leading to a reduction in patient services.

One example of how breaking the cycle can be achieved is by enabling fast track of investigations and treatments for NHS staff as part of the NHS reforms. It was not so long ago when this approach was used during the COVID 19 epidemic when staff were prioritised for vaccinations and COVID 19 tests – so that they were then enabled to stay at work and do what they know best – care for others.  The FastTrack suggestion is not dissimilar to this as the principle and outcome focus remains the same.

It is also worth remembering that the NHS competes for its workforce with many industries. How does the NHS compare with benefits available to staff elsewhere? In my 24 years working for the NHS I have not experienced change or comparison in that regard. Regardless of which industry you look into, there are benefits for staff working in that industry and it might be that NHS staff offer is slacking behind and needs to up its game.

NHS staff need recognition for the caring work they do by being cared for themselves. It would make sense that as a part of staff NHS contribution recognition that staff have access to investigations and treatment fast track scheme as a part of the staff NHS employment benefit. The positive impact of this act would be undeniable and felt across many areas, not least better provision for all patients.

Gabriela Maxwell is a Queens Nurse and Senior Advanced Nurse Practitioner in NHS Lanarkshire