A new approach to team rotas is reported to have helped boost morale and reduce sickness rates at Barts Health.

A trial on ward 3D at St Bartholomew’s Hospital allowed nursing staff to pick their preferred shifts at the start of each month rather than be rostered by management.

After ten months, 90 per cent of staff said they would recommend the new arrangements with around 75 per cent getting the shifts they requested.

Three quarters of staff said team-based rostering had improved their work-life balance.

There was also a dramatic reduction in the number of unplanned absences.

Team rostering gives staff the opportunity to request all of their contracted hours whilst ensuring safe staffing levels and the right skills mix.

Improving opportunities to work flexibly is a key part of the NHS People Promise.

No staff members left during the 10 month trial and vacancy rates on 3D reduced from 38 per cent to 12 per cent.

Ward manager Dora Riccio said: "Colleagues want to stay working with us because they have the opportunity to choose their own shift pattern and find their work-life balance."

She acknowledges that despite the benefits for flexible working there was some need for management to arbitrate over requests for competing shifts and to ensure a proper balance between day and night shifts.

Riccio said: "If staff are getting the shifts they want, it results in fewer cancelled shifts and a reduction in bank and agency usage."

The team expect to adopt team rostering on a permanent basis and are encouraging other areas of the hospital to give it a try.