St Martin's Surgery

Winner: Spotlight Award for Line Management Excellence

Why did you decide to enter Jersey's Best Workplace? 

We wanted to gain an external perspective on the strength of our workforce, especially during a period of growth. While we pride ourselves on being a close-knit team with a positive culture, we recognised that our perceptions may not always align with reality. This was an opportunity to gain valuable insights into how we’re performing as an employer and ensure that our workforce feels that sense of empowerment and encouragement we strive to create. 

What was the most valuable thing you learnt from the experience?

The importance of open communication and fostering a culture where staff feel safe to express their needs, concerns and worries. Life and work are often intertwined, and personal challenges can spill over into the workplace. It was insightful to identify areas where we can improve to ensure staff feel supported, respected and valued. Reflecting on how we can make meaningful improvements and enhance practices that are already working well, was enlightening and will have a lasting impact. 

What stood out from the feedback you received? Any surprises? 

Staff mentioned feeling proud, positive, motivated and happy on Monday mornings, which reaffirmed the strength of our culture and teamwork. A surprise was the mention of stress. While healthcare is inherently demanding, and we all work hard to provide the best service possible, it can be complex and challenging, with a high workload and many tasks to juggle. This feedback highlighted areas where we can do more to support our team. 

How do you prioritise line management excellence in your business? 

We focus on kindness, understanding and being genuinely present for our staff. The core of good management lies in fostering a supportive environment where concerns are listened to, workloads are shared and employees feel valued. An open-door policy is crucial for encouraging staff to raise concerns, knowing that these will be acted upon. By prioritising these principles, we aim to create a more connected and responsive management approach. 

Why is this so important to you?

 It directly impacts the wellbeing of our team and, in turn, the quality of care we provide. When staff feel listened to and valued, it fosters a positive work environment, increases job satisfaction and improves team morale. Ensuring that everyone feels supported helps create a cohesive, efficient team, leading to better outcomes for employees and patients. 

How has this shaped your business?

 I believe that the positive feedback we receive from our patients is a direct result of our happy workplace culture. Some patients even bake us cakes or bring us flowers, showing the strong relationships we’ve built. We’re privileged to have fostered these connections, and it’s heartening to see our team’s positivity shine through in the care we provide. 

Why is this so important to the long-term success of St Martin's Surgery? 

The progress we’ve made over the past four years is remarkable. With the opening of our town surgery, we’ve gone from nothing to a two-branch surgery. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the positive culture we’ve cultivated. We’re committed to continuing this approach, which will help build both staff and patient trust, loyalty and confidence in our service. By maintaining an environment where people feel valued, we are laying the foundation for long-term success. 

The staff at St Martin’s Surgery play a pivotal role in our success. It wouldn’t be the same without each of them. Thank you, too, to our patients for the trust and support they’ve placed in us. It’s a privilege to serve as their GP surgery, and we are grateful for the opportunity to care for them.