Come along to the one of the sessions below to hear site updates from Aintree's Executive Managing Director, Peter Turkington, and members of your Hospital Leadership Team.
Session dates
Wednesday 22 July, 1pm - 2pm, click here to join on teams.
Wednesday 26 August, 1pm - 2pm, click here to join on Microsoft Teams.
Wednesday 30 September, 1pm - 2pm, click here to join on teams.
Wednesday 28 October, 1pm - 2pm, click here to join on teams.
Wednesday 25 November, 1pm - 2pm, click here to join on teams.
Wednesday 16 December, 1pm - 2pm, click here to join on Microsoft Teams.
Q&A responses
Q: Is there any update on the vacancy freeze?
A: We don't currently have a vacancy freeze in place. Vacancies are risk assessed as part of the recruitment approval process which is weekly at divisional resource panels and the HLT panels. Admin and Clerical Vacancies are reviewed and approved at a further Executive panel on a monthly basis.
Q: Could someone please address the car parking in the multistorey? Every day is becoming increasingly more difficult to get out of the car park after shift.
A: We will be discussing further with estates to assess what elements are leading to the multi-storey car park congestion. In previous years, this has been linked to council-led road repairs but this will need to be evaluated. Feedback will follow but we appreciate this has been frustrating for all the staff and patients who have been affected so far.
Q: You have mentioned a patient flow role for all wards – are they new posts?
A: Some wards currently have roles that specifically cover patient flow and discharge but many do not so this will standardise cover across all areas.
Q: Could SAU be alongside the front door of ED to direct convey and divert surgical admissions from ED? It could become its own mini surgical ED area.
A: We are committed to developing the role of SAU and direct pathways to the unit, this is a key workstream in the UEC plan.
Q: We keep hearing that it’s a government priority to commit to eliminating corridor care, but how realistic is that at Aintree when we just don’t have enough space to care for our patients? Do we have other plans that might mean that we don’t have to treat patients in corridors?
A: We continually review our UEC plans and the estate that supports patient arrival. Further estate developments are in discussion, to add to the new areas commissioned in the last two years - SEAC and SUDUCU.
Ambient Voice Technology (AVT)
Q: What does AI mean for admin jobs? Are we at risk?
A: The purpose of Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) is not to remove roles. It is to reduce administrative burden, speed up documentation, and release time to care. Medical secretaries remain essential to quality assurance, workflow coordination, complex case management, and patient communication.
AVT simply removes low value typing and transcription tasks so secretaries can focus on higher value, patient facing and operational tasks.
Q: Can patients opt out of AVT? Given that their data will be sent to an external AI company.
A: Yes they can, we will be discussing whether we employ an opt in or opt out basis at full roll out.
Q: How do we ensure that AVT does not disadvantage patients who are not English speakers or BSL users and the like?
A: AVT will be implemented in a way that is accessibility‑first, and not a prerequisite for care - otherwise it risks disadvantaging non‑English speakers, Deaf/BSL users, and people with communication needs.
When is AVT being rolled out to everyone?
We are waiting for the outcome of the business case and if successful, we will commence roll-out next month commencing with priority areas.
Behaviours of concern
Q: Will staff filling out more DATIX forms help towards creating change for Behaviours of Concern? I.e. will there be learning taken from each report?
A: This is our aim, yes. The first phase is getting staff to acknowledge that this needs to be recorded and once we have a true picture of our real hot spots, we should be offering support via IKON training and de-escalation there first.
Call 4 Concern
Q: Who will be manning the Call 4 Concern phoneline?
A: During the day (seven days a week) this will be answered by the Critical Care Outreach team. At night this will be staffed either by the Critical Care Resident doctors or the Night Nurse Practitioner team - these options are going to be explored through the pilot periods.
Q: Could we ask for PACT to have some sessions to help us to determine the appropriate cases for us to signpost if they are brought to PACT?
A: In terms of Call 4 Concern, yes absolutely, we'll link in. We're expecting some calls coming though the helpline with would be better going to PACT but the other way round could certainly happen too.
Q: Can non-clinical staff as well as visitors and relatives use the call for concern phoneline, e.g. domestic staff, who might notice worrying signs in their contact with patients?
A: Yes absolutely. The goal is very much that this project should give every possible opportunity for concerns about patients to be voiced and acted upon. Anyone who has patient contact can potentially spot important signs which could prove vital for patient safety.
Workforce
Q: There was a rumour going around that staff will not be able to purchase additional annual leave in the next financial year. Is this true?
The option to purchase additional annual leave is contained within the current annual leave policy available via the Document Management System on all desktops. There are currently no plans to remove this benefit from the current policy.
Q: Is there any update on admin cuts and getting more cleaners/ booking team staff?
Whilst the Trust continues to face financial challenges recruitment restrictions will continue to be in place for non-clinical roles. Posts are reviewed as submitted and Departments should continue to add their vacancies to the TRAC recruitment system where posts will progress through the system for review and consideration at hospital site scrutiny panel and the monthly executive approval panel. There are no restrictions on recruitment to Domestic roles in Clinical areas. The changes to cleaning regimes in non-clinical areas continues as the focus remains on maintaining cleaning standards in the high-risk patient areas.
The temporary reallocation of cleaning resources from non-clinical areas to clinical and patient-care areas is still in effect until further notice. This means that low-risk areas, such as offices and administration areas, will temporarily receive a reduced cleaning service. This is in line with National Cleaning Standards priorities and supports our commitment to focus our resources toward patient areas. We have a duty of care to keep high-risk clinical areas as safe and clean as possible for our patients and have needed to make this tough decision to ensure that this can be achieved. Please contact the Aintree domestic service team on extension 3930 if you have any queries.
CAR PARKING REVIEW
Q: Is there a real chance that staff could have their car parking permits revoked as a result of the car parking review
A: Yes, there is but this would depend on demand and your point score following completion of the application.
Q: If you are non-clinical and you don't get your permit back after the review, are you able to request to work from home full time?
A: This would have to be discussed with your line manager and HR.
Q: If your pass is revoked will the Trust provide a free pass to public transport as public transport?
A: No, but the Trust does operate a discounted travel pass.
Q: Has the impact of the review on work life balance been considered?
A: Consultation with HLT's and staff side colleagues has taken place.
Q: How does the points-based system work on the application form?
A: The points-based system is based on clinical need, distance travelled to work, shift patterns, access to public transport and primary site base. Should your application be declined, you will have the opportunity to appeal the decision and will be added to a waiting list for a permit.
Q: Once the car parking review has been completed, are the disabled parking spaces going to be monitored? I drive over an hour to work each day plus an additional hour home and quite often get in to find disabled spaces taken up by cars with no badges displayed.
A: The car parking enforcement team currently monitor this, and we will highlight this for extra patrols.
SITE DEVELOPMENT
Q: Why don't you build another large multi-storey car park?
A: Plans are in place for a multi-storey car park on the north site development.
PARKING / TRAVEL / OTHER ESTATES QUERIES
Q: Are you going to police staff members parking at Aintree and using the trust transport bus to get them to work at either Broadgreen or the Royal?
A: We are doing work to reduce car parking pressures on all sites; reviews have already taken place at the Royal and Broadgreen.
Q: There has been a couple of times when the car park outside Windsor House has had traffic cones reserving four parking spaces. Why is this?
A: We are temporarily relocating charging points for Trust vehicles and have identified this as the location. We also need the spaces to allow for a waste collection every Monday.
Q: As staff have to pay for parking could the staff have a staff only car park?
A: This would adversely put pressure on visitor parking and impact upon patients visiting for outpatient appointments throughout the day.
Q: How much are E&F spending on external contractors? Surely, we could employ skilled trades ourselves.
A: Most of our services are in house, however our own teams are very busy with maintenance of the sites.
VOLUNTARY REDUNDANCY (VR)
Q: In relation to voluntary redundancy, if we don’t know the TOM structures and outcomes in advance how do we support VR for individuals?
A: VR Guidance and FAQs are available here. Specific guidance for line managers and the application process is on page 9.
Q: Is the final amount taxed?
A: VR payments are subject to tax. Compulsory redundancy (CR) rate is the same as VR rate in line with Agenda for Change Terms and conditions. However, the terms of a CR are different to VR regarding returning to work in the NHS.
Q: Can I get an estimate of how much I would get, before deciding to apply, or not?
A: The application process allows for a confidential quote prior to final confirmation and VR agreement.
Q: Where can I find out more about how I would be able to apply for a pension estimate with relation to VR?
A: https://
Q: With no TOM yet in place and a car parking review, why is the VR closing before any of this data is made available?
A: The current VR scheme is part of a regional and national scheme, and the deadline of 31st March 2026 has been set externally.
Q: How quickly do you have to leave employment if you are approved for VR? And what if your workplace change will not come into effect until 2027, can the VR be delayed until then?
A: The key dates for the current scheme are:
• Scheme opens: Monday 2 February 2026
• Scheme closes: 11:59pm on Monday 2 March 2026
• Outcomes expected: April 2026
OUR BIG CONVERSATION
Q: Our Big Conversation seems more like a wish/vision and makes sense but doesn’t really explain how? What are we doing to get the vision aligned to the strategy to implement tactics to make this happen within five years?
A: Our Big Conversation is an opportunity to learn more about our vision for the future, share your thoughts and ideas and engage in discussions with colleagues, as well as a chance to reflect on the changes that are happening in our hospitals currently so we can make sure we have the right support in place as we move through this process. Using population health data, we’ve developed a strategy that sets out how our services and the way we deliver them can be shaped to meet the needs of people today. The strategy sets out what we need to do but through Our Big Conversation we now need your views on how we do it. You can read more about our vision for the future and how to take part in Our Big Conversation here.
Q&A RESPONSES
Q: What happens if you have already completed the Car Park Form and have a disability, but no blue badge. Will we get the opportunity to complete a form again?
A: HR led communication has been agreed. HR will review requests for reasonable adjustments and inform the Car Parking Team.
Q: How much did it cost us for external contractors to take down the Christmas Tree outside the ECC last month? Why was this not done in-house?
A: The maintenance team prioritise support to clinical services. When this is challenged, external support is utilised.
Q: On the car parking review application form, you are only asked about a blue badge. You would not know about my disability (Multiple Sclerosis). I’m sure others are in the same situation. How will this be sorted? Ideally, I would need a car park near by the Hospital not necessarily in a blue badge bay.
A: HR led communication has been agreed. HR will review requests for reasonable adjustments and inform the Car Parking Team.
Q: Will you be updating regarding voluntary redundancy outcomes and when can people expect to hear an outcome?
A: We have received a number of VR applications, which we are working through currently. All colleagues will be contacted in due course once applications have been assessed.
Q: What are the updates on the PAC team/PAC templates/Ferndale team? They have around 14 jobs that have not been re-advertised and filled. Also, four team leaders have been given VR and leave this week. This is the foundation of the patient pathway and due to cuts in other areas, other teams do not have capacity to take over PAC duties. Will PAC be scraped and members distributed out to other areas (e.g secretarial teams)?
A: Please contact your line manager to discuss service provision and continuity for the PAC team.
Q: With the issues of short-staffing in PAC, and the departure of key staff this week, what is the plan for this work to be completed safely for patient care to continue?
A: We will raise these issues with the corporate outpatient team and look for resolution then feedback.
Q: When will the next update be in regard to VR? I understand this is a lengthy process but I think staff who are awaiting an outcome would benefit from regular updates and an expected timeframe to receive an outcome, this is a very uncertain time for staff.
A: We are committed to updating individuals when decisions have been made. Please speak to your line manager in the first instance. Sources of support can be found on the intranet, or alternatively contact your HR team.
Q: I received an email confirming that applications would be allocated in the week commencing 23 March. To date, this has still not been actioned, and no explanation or update has been provided.
- What has caused this delay?
- Who is responsible for the hold up?
- When applications will actually be processed and permits issued?
For context, my partner, who is based at the Royal, completed the same process before Christmas and received their allocation within a few weeks. The contrast in timelines is significant and raises concerns about why this process appears to be so much more prolonged at Aintree.
A: RLUH was the first site to undertake the reapplication process. The process at AUH was extended to accommodate applications for which reasonable adjustments may be required. This exercise has also been introduced retrospectively at LWH and RLUH. HR and the Car Parking Team are working to implement the new arrangements on 22 May 26. All staff who are on the existing database will have received an email regarding this. Please also follow Liverpool News for updates.
Q: I have submitted a car parking reasonable adjustments request, can you please confirm who will see the private information I have submitted?
A: The reasonable adjustments inbox is being monitored and collated by the Business HR team who are aware of the legal obligations under the Equality Act. We will ensure that sharing of health information is carried out in compliance with data protection laws.
Q: Will car parking be part of the North Site development?
A: Yes, we will always take opportunity to improve car parking as the site develops. The Eskdale Car Park and current work to improve the electric charging provision are examples of this.
Q: Is there any update on car parks works on site?
A: The situation is quite challenging at present and the Estates team are working with contractors to try and improve matters and minimise disruption. Temporary ground works are required across the site in order to develop and improve the services we deliver for patients. There are a number of initiatives including lift share arrangements which will help reduce demand that may be of interest.
Q: When will we find out if we can continue to park at Aintree?
A: We anticipate that new arrangements will be implemented on 22 May 2026. Staff who have applied will receive an email and updates will be published via Liverpool News.
Q: Is there any update on EPR next steps?
A: Nervecentre has recently been announced as our EPR supplier and more comms will be shared shortly that will give detail on the next stages around engagement on build of the system
Q: The work on corridor care sounds great - well done to everyone involved! Do you think this improvement will be sustained if/when we go into a busy winter later this year?
A: This will form part of our annual improvement plan for flow and winter plan for 2026-27. Continued support to progress with system partners will be essential.
Q: Will the ED corridor work be sustainable in reality? Especially as we go through the year. Great to hear it's working well now but hope it can be achievable long term
A: It is aligned now to a national programme that all acute providers (and system) must monitor and achieve so this will remain our focus as a site moving forward.
Q&A
Q: Who is involved in the VR decision making and who should we speak to if we feel concerned about how decisions will impact our team before they are finalised?
A: Please speak with your line manager in the first instance. Hospital Leadership Teams review applications prior to submission to the Executive Team for final review and consideration. Line Managers should escalate any concerns to relevant Hospital Leadership Team members.
Q: How many phases is there in the voluntary redundancy process?
A: There are currently 2 live phases, and we expect there may be further phases during the year subject to approval.
Q: At what point are people able to appeal their voluntary redundancy outcome?
A: The VR scheme and FAQs are available here – this webpage also outlines the appeals process. If your application has been declined and you feel you have not been made aware as to the reasons why please Aintree’s Director of People, Jenny Grant. There is also the VR scheme inbox which can be used for any queries on concerns regarding applications (vrschemesupport
Q: Regarding voluntary redundancy, if staff members haven't been informed in phase 1 or 2 will these individuals be informed that they haven't been successful but may at some stage get VR in the future?
A: If your application has been declined you should have been made aware. If you have not received an approval or declined notification your application remains live for consideration in any further phases.
Q: What is the new building in the back car park going to be? Can we utilise it?
A: The new dialysis building that is being built by Woodlands.
Q: The no criteria to reside data from February is looking really positive for our patients and good to see. Imagine this having a positive impact too on incidents of boarding/corridor care? Is there data to show the impact on that?
A: Yes, there will be. NHS England is looking to standardise what classes as an incident of corridor care or boarding. If a patient is on a corridor in ED or boarding space on a ward for more than 45 minutes, then this will be classed as an incident of boarding/corridor care/temporary escalation space.