A staff poll has shown the trust which runs Newham University Hospital is the “most improved” of 175 NHS organisations surveyed by healthcare charity Picker Institute Europe.

Newham Recorder: Chris Pocklington, manging director of Newham University HospitalChris Pocklington, manging director of Newham University Hospital (Image: Barts Health Trust)

Barts Health, which runs five hospitals with a workforce of around 16,000 people, improved in 27 of the 33 areas in the 2016 national NHS Staff Survey, covering resourcing, work motivation and support from managers.

Some 83 per cent of Barts Health staff respondents said they were satisfied with the quality of care provided to patients last year compared to the average of 82pc, an improvement of 4pc from 2015.

However, the results were not all good news as Newham University Hospital hospital staff reported higher than average scores of work-related stress (44 per cent) in the last 12 months against an average of 36pc.

The hospital and trust also scored above the national average for the number of staff experiencing bullying and harassment or abuse within the previous 12 months.

At Barts Health Trust, the figure was 36pc in 2016 compared to the average of 23pc although this fell from 39pc in 2015.

Stephen Bough, head of staff feedback at Picker said: “I congratulate Barts Health on a substantial increase in many of its scores, indicative of wider improvements at the trust.”

The approved survey contractor surveyed 175 out of 316 NHS organisations who took part in the survey between September and December 2016.

Staff from Newham University Hospital also reported numerous “better than average” scores including satisfaction with working patterns and good communication between senior management and staff.

Compared to 2015, the Plaistow-based hospital was said to show improvements in 26 areas. However it fared worse in five areas and equalled one other.

Managing director Chris Pocklington said: “I am delighted that staff feel more involved and better supported, and would recommend the hospital as a place to work or receive treatment.

“Many of the improvements achieved across the hospital are testament to their hard work and commitment.”