Presently the department has a compliment of 32 whole time equivalent nurses, consisting of 1 H grade, 2 G grades, 8 F grades and 8 E grade and 11 D grade Staff nurses plus 1.54 HCA. All staff are contracted to work internal rotation and the shift patterns are early shift [0700-1500], late shift [1400-2200], night duty [2130-0700], and a twilight shift [2130-0430]. Staff are rotated through the Plaster Room on a regular basis to maintain their knowledge and skills in the application of POP and techniques.

An appraisal system is in operation, staff are appraised twice a year on their personal, professional and education requirements. The departments Training and Development Strategy is modified to take account of these changes.

All new staff to the department are provided with an in depth introductory manual and allocated a personal mentor to assist the new employee to become more effective in their new role.

The department is proactive in staff development, education and training. An established in-service training program operates seven days per week, a one hour session is allocated per day in the over lap period [1400-1500]. The senior nursing team are committed to improving the educational facilities and opportunities to all nursing staff. Staff are actively encouraged and supported, by study time or financial aid, in undertaking relevant courses. At present all nursing staff have an ALS or PALS or a trauma nursing course. The department as a very good success rate for candidates on these courses because the department has amongst its establishment national instructors in the a fore mentioned courses. Some staff have two or all three of these courses. All nursing staff are placed on the ENB course 199, supported to undertake Diplomas, Degrees and other relevant courses which improve patient care and practice.

Close links have developed between the department and the University College of St. Martins. Staff from the department regularly teach in the department of nursing at the university.

The department operates a full Manchester Triage System, staff are encouraged to expand their clinical practice to cover roles such as suturing, POP, gastric lavage, nurse X-ray and prescribing analgesics, defibrillation, administration of drugs in a cardiac arrest situation and pre hospital trauma life support. Implementation of streaming in the department.

What is very important, and rewarding, to the nurses in the department is the move away from a traditional hierarchical structure of nursing, to a flat structure and proactive culture. Staff are encouraged to take charge of the department on a shift, E grade and above, to improve their decision making capabilities through experience.

This department as a excellent working atmosphere and good team spirit.