25th September 2024
We are delighted to share this Voices blog by Emma Jane Cushnan, Health In Pregnancy Assistant Practitioner at Walsall NHS Healthcare Trust and member of the iHV Health Visitor Advisory Forum, as she shares the importance of all health visiting team members having a voice and being heard.
Emma Jane Cushnan, Health In Pregnancy Assistant Practitioner at Walsall NHS Healthcare Trust and member of the iHV Health Visitor Advisory Forum
As the days of summer begin to fade with crisper mornings ahead, children have returned to school and the normality of routine sets in again for busy families everywhere. It’s been an interesting few months, and this has led me to reflect on the important service that we all provide caring for babies, children and their families.
We have seen the flourish and vibrancy this year of the 2024 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris. From the colourful opening ceremony to the glint of gold on the winning podiums, there has been something for everyone. What has struck me most has been the real team spirit that has prevailed and especially, this year, it has been particularly noticeable.
I believe we can all reflect on what makes a team truly successful. Just like an Olympic team, where every athlete, coach, and support staff plays a crucial role in the pursuit of excellence, the effectiveness of a health visiting team hinges on the contributions of all its members. When each voice in a team is heard and valued, it creates a culture of collaboration, innovation, and mutual support. In this blog post, let’s explore together why it’s crucial for every health visiting team member to be heard, the impact this has on improving outcomes for babies and children as well as team performance, and how it relates to the Olympic team spirit of unity and excellence.
Enhancing Collaboration and Team Cohesion
In the Olympic Games, success isn’t just about individual performances; it’s about how the team works together towards a common goal. Similarly, when health visiting team members feel their opinions and contributions are valued, they are more likely to engage fully in team activities. This engagement leads to enhanced collaboration, where ideas and knowledge are shared freely. Health visiting teams thrive when everyone works together seamlessly and supports each other.
Team cohesion is also strengthened when ‘everyone’s’ voice is heard. Health visiting team members who feel included and respected are more likely to develop strong working relationships and trust with their colleagues. This trust is the foundation of effective teamwork, enabling members to rely on each other and work towards shared objectives with confidence. Our medal is for our families and communities to feel cared for and the improvement of the health outcomes for all. A prize worth more than Olympic gold.
Encouraging Innovation and Creative Solutions
The diversity of an Olympic team is its strength—bringing together athletes from different disciplines, each with unique skills and strategies. The same is true for our teams. Diverse teams bring a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and expertise. When every health visiting team member is given the opportunity to contribute, the team benefits from this diversity. Different viewpoints can contribute to innovative ideas and creative solutions to overcome some of the challenges that our services face.
According to the 2023 *NHS Staff Survey, 75% of staff felt that their organisation acted on feedback from patients and service users. However, only 55% felt that they had frequent opportunities to show initiative in their roles, indicating room for improvement in encouraging staff to contribute ideas and suggestions.
Boosting Morale and Job Satisfaction
Olympic athletes who feel supported by their teams are more likely to perform at their best. Similarly, feeling heard and valued is intrinsically linked to job satisfaction and morale within our teams. When team members know their contributions matter, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged in their work, leading to a more positive team atmosphere and better care for families.
Think of a time when your efforts were seen and acknowledged. Maybe it was a colleague and a kind word, a glowing review from a manager, a card or an expression of gratitude from a family you have supported. Or maybe it was an idea that was developed and led to real service change which made a difference to the lives of babies and children. It means so much to be seen and heard, to be told that we did well, or to see the ‘win’ of our ideas. When we harness this in teams and give space to everyone’s voice, we build strong, supportive teams. We also build a culture where each member will want to stay.
Improving Decision-making Processes
Effective decision-making in our health visiting teams requires input from all relevant stakeholders, and services that we may work alongside or engage with. By ensuring every team member’s voice is heard, the team can make more informed and well-rounded decisions, which has the best interests of babies and children at its heart.
Additionally, involving all health visiting team members in the decision-making process increases the sense of ownership and accountability. It also means the taking of accountability both when things work and when they don’t as this creates a space for learning.
Building a Culture of Respect and Inclusivity
In our health visiting teams, creating an environment where every team member’s voice is heard helps to build a culture of respect and inclusivity. This culture is essential, particularly where the ability to work effectively with diverse families/communities and colleagues is critical to improving health outcomes for babies and children.
A respectful and inclusive team culture also helps to prevent issues such as bullying and discrimination. It is good also to think of those who may struggle to bring their voice to the table or may not feel confident to do so. It is good for all of us to think about how we can make sure that all our colleagues are heard and what we are doing personally to support this. Do we know when to speak, but also when to listen? Are we embracing each other, cheering each other on from the sidelines and standing side by side proud of our health visiting achievements?
Final thoughts!
Many of us will never compete at the Olympic Games, although many of us may be in the parents’ race on School Sports Day! However, much like an Olympic team, by ensuring every team member’s voice is heard, we can build stronger, more effective teams capable of delivering high-quality care for our babies, children and families. Just as we saw the athletes in Paris cheer each other on, proud to showcase their many years of hard work and determination, let us also commit to creating environments within our health visiting teams where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our shared success.
Emma Jane Cushnan, Health In Pregnancy Assistant Practitioner, Walsall NHS Healthcare Trust
References
* NHS Staff Survey 2023. [NHS Staff Survey](https://www.nhsstaffsurveys.com/results/national-results/)
