Quality of working life in genitourinary medicine

Quality issues are becoming increasingly relevant to the working lives of health care staff. We sought to assess the perceived work-related quality of life of staff working in a genitourinary medicine (GUM) department using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire focusing on areas from the Trust's staff charter. Over two-thirds (69%) of the staff members participated. Perceptions of working life were generally good within GUM. In particular staff felt valued as a resource with free expression of ideas, involvement in decision making, fair treatment and respect. Weaker areas were identified enabling a plan to be developed to address these. It is important to address quality in working life in order to achieve improvements.