THE NHS trust that runs Okehampton and Moretonhampstead community hospitals and local health and social care services ranks better than similar trusts in nearly three quarters of all indicators, according to a national survey of staff.

When compared to other trusts that run acute and community services, the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust was rated better than average in 23 of the 32 key findings that make up the NHS Staff Survey for 2015.

The trust was ranked average in nine areas and was not below average in any.

It also scored highly in overall staff engagement, which covers whether employees would recommend the trust as a place to work or receive treatment, motivation and the ability to contribute towards improvements.

The five key findings where staff felt the trust stood out compared to similar trusts were: ability to contribute towards improvements; belief that the trust provides equal opportunities for career progression or promotion; satisfaction with resourcing and support; agreeing that their role makes a difference to patients or service users and feeling recognised and valued by managers and the organisation.

The only two areas where staff experience had declined since 2014, but still rated average, were: percentage of staff having an appraisal in the last 12 months, and percentage of staff or colleagues reporting their most recent experience of harassment, bullying or abuse.

The full survey results for 2015 can be viewed at www.nhsstaffsurveys.com