STAFF at Ipswich Hospital have lifted the lid on workplace morale, today giving the low-down on disgruntled employees, work-related stress and overtime pressures.

STAFF at Ipswich Hospital have lifted the lid on workplace morale, today giving the low-down on disgruntled employees, work-related stress and overtime pressures.

It has been revealed that staff feel unsupported in their jobs and that a growing number are considering handing in their resignation.

Figures show 71per cent of staff work more than their contracted hours in an average week and 65pc said it was down to pressure and demands of the job. Only a low number said their manager helps them find a good work life balance.

Looking at training opportunities, 39pc said they had been given NO training in infection control - despite the hospital claiming reducing infection is its highest clinical priority and it being named one of the worst hospitals in the country for cases of the C-difficile superbug.

The shocking statistics come on the back of harsh criticism for the Heath Road hospital.

On May 19, the Star revealed how Sarah and Colin Wright, of Ipswich, called for answers over the care given to their baby son Samuel, who died when he was just three-and-a-half weeks old.

And the hospital has also come under fire for reshuffling its medical secretaries, a move claimed to have led to lost patient notes, a backlog of post and rock-bottom morale.

One long-serving member of staff said: “Morale is absolutely shockingly bad. People don't see any light at the end of the tunnel.

“They feel abandoned and don't know what to do for the best.

“Large amounts of overtime are being worked and people are tired, frustrated and angry.

“People are saying they will hand in their resignations and they aren't empty threats.”

The figures are the result of a questionnaire sent to a random selection of staff.

Good practice highlighted included 71pc saying they had taken advantage of flexible working hours, 97pc saying they had done some form of training and 66pc having an appraisal or performance review within the past year.

In a report detailing the figures, the hospital's director of human resources Jennifer Jones said: “The staff survey information is useful to the trust in gaining staff feedback, highlighting areas of good practice and areas for improvement.

“A draft action plan has been drawn up to address the areas for improvement, which will be shared with staff representatives.”

The plans include introducing a work life balance policy, increasing staff awareness on how to address harassment and bullying and improving strained relationships between employees. The hospital also pledged to ensure all staff get infection control training.

Do you work at Ipswich Hospital? What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.