Wellbeing ward rounds that provide a listening ear are nurses’ cup of tea
“That’s good timing,” says one nurse, as the wellbeing trolley is wheeled onto the ward. “We were just saying we needed a cup of tea – you couldn’t have arrived at a better time.”
The refreshment trolley is filled with treats and hot drinks for hard-working staff – but, as welcome as these are, this initiative goes beyond providing refreshments.
The newly-launched “wellbeing ward rounds” at Epsom and St Helier hospitals also offer nurses, healthcare assistants, and play specialists a friendly chat, the opportunity to access support, and small acts of kindness.
Senior nurses within the neonatal and paediatric departments visit staff on wards to provide a friendly check-in, and highlight confidential services to improve their wellbeing.
Clare Tubridy, Lead Nurse for Children and Young People, helped launch the service in February following feedback from staff.
She says: “The aim is to make staff feel valued – and demonstrate something small can make a big difference to someone.
“As well as offering a cuppa and a treat, it’s a chance for them to have a chat, share how they’re feeling, and reach out to us for further support, if they need it.”
Amel Sebak, a staff nurse at Queen Mary’s Hospital for Children, is one of those to be grab a drink and a chat with the team.
“It's a great idea,” she says. “It makes us feel that people do think about us. It provides a little pick-me-up – I like the social aspect, and can talk about my day.”
The sentiment is shared by other staff, too – including health play specialist Jessica Renwick. “It’s nice to see people’s faces on these rounds,” she says. “We know that we’re seen.”
Senior sister Tanya Stannard agrees that it’s good for staff – “especially on days like today when busy and we don't have time to go and make our own tea”.
In fact, everyone approached says it’s a lovely idea – some even cheering when Clare enters the ward.
The rounds take place every other week, alternating between St Helier and Queen Mary’s Hospital for Children, and Epsom Hospital.
If people feel like they need additional support on top of the conversations they have during the rounds, they can reach out to the Professional Nurse Advocates (PNA) – trained nurses like Clare who support colleagues.
Through confidential, one-to-one sessions, staff are given a safe space to talk, to build resilience and confidence. They are also offered advice on education and development and career conversations.
“The feedback we’ve had has been really positive,” adds Clare. “Staff get to know the team and put faces to names.”
“Nursing is a rewarding career, but it’s challenging, too, and we know our teams deal with a lot. This is one way we are helping them navigate those demands.”
