"Staff have been cut back and not replaced"

There have been a few staff within the hospital who have left recently (rather than cuts to staffing numbers). We have recruited into many of these posts however it can take up to 2 -3 months to get people in post. The reason for this delay is that we need to receive at least 2 references, candidates have to book occupational health appointments and come in for a ID check. They also have to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check which can take up to 2 weeks for this to come through. Then when all these are in place most candidates have to give their previous place of work 4 weeks notice before starting. There is a general turnover of vacancies of which we are generally less affected by however there has been a higher amount due to the recent refurbishment and reopening of Trent ward.

Unfortunately some sessions of leave and off ward access have been affected by these issues. However we are starting to see new staff starting and I expect the staffing situation to improve over the next few weeks. I think with the gym issue we need to make sure that staff on the wards are trained by the Sports instructors so that more sessions can be supervised. I will check that these have been arranged.

I am sorry that sessions have been cancelled, it is our aim to ensure that patients have plenty of activities to do because ultimately we want to equip people to recover from the mental health challenges they have been faced with.