1. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants “SPEAK UP” Alison Hayes, Independent Facilitator

2. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants SPEAK UP : HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTION CAN IMPROVE PATIENT CARE Share examples of how your contribution improves patient care Explore the barriers to speaking up How to be heard When and where to speak up Top tips to take back

3. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants EXAMPLES OF IMPROVEMENTS TO PATIENT CARE Healthier snacks in the Health Centre’s vending machine Improved access to the team by phone for patients More accessible venue for exercise group for patients with COPD

4. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants BARRIERS TO HCAS SPEAKING UP It’s not my place What will happen once I’ve said it? Everyone else know this, don’t they? Will I upset someone? Will I find the right way to say this? Will there be time in the meetings? Will I be listened to?

5. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants DIFFERENT VIEW

6. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants HOW TO BE HEARD Be brave Keep things short Have a clear message Be constructive Think about what you want to say before you say it Talk about what you have seen Watch your assumptions Be prepared to answer questions Offer solutions

7. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants WHEN AND WHERE TO SPEAK UP One to one with supervisor Handovers Meetings Team away days Whistle-blowing

8. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants TOP TIPS We all have something to contribute to our team’s success and improved patient care Effective speaking comes from observing and listening Use an agenda in meetings, however informal an agenda can help everyone be heard Describe what you have seen, not assumptions Be clear, concise and constructive Use details Share what made you feel uneasy Be prepared for questions Suggest alternatives

9. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants SPEAK UP When people who are not used to speaking are heard by people who are not used to listening, then real learning occurs