We are hearing many messages of thanks for the excellent work of Western Health staff in so many of our wards as well as in our testing clinics, including the Showgrounds and at a number of the housing towers. It is wonderful to know that your commitment and hard work is greatly appreciated by our community at this time of need, as you care for or support the needs of both COVID patients and the many acutely ill patients currently in our care. It is equally pleasing to hear that many staff are finding their own rewards in being able to provide comfort for patients and families.
Exceptional commitment
This weekend, once again we had dozens of staff giving up their time to work additional hours and take on important tasks to support some of our most vulnerable members of the community and taking the steps necessary to provide a safe environment for our staff. In addition, we are hearing from many staff about just how pleased they are to be able to be a part of this community response. On behalf of the Executive team, I would like you to know that your commitment is greatly appreciated.
These were some of the words we received from one of my team members, Wes Hartley, from the OH&S team.
“In my 25 years at WH, I can honestly say this has been one of the most rewarding experiences in all of my career. Unfortunately, we did come across some very challenging and emotionally charged situations, we were able to facilitate excellent client focused outcomes.”
Wes and his colleague Kylie Roper, were part of the fantastic Western Health team responding to the needs of households in the Kensington housing towers.
Appreciation
Our patient families’ appreciation for all you do was demonstrated in a lovely way in this story of Jimmy, who spent 101 days in our care as he struggled for survival and then recovered from COVID-19. A huge team of staff across Sunshine ED; ICU at Sunshine; 2G; and Rehab as well as those still supporting Jimmy remotely; are recognised by Jimmy and his children Jason and Susan. Click here to read this story.
We also saw Footscray Hospital staff in the spotlight on the weekend, with some of the nursing staff from 2D interviewed and photographed about their experiences and the challenges they are facing. Click here to read this story and hear from Isabella.
The fantastic work of the teams in Footscray ICU will also be acknowledged in this wonderful story to air on ABC TV 7.30 Report this evening – the preview online story is now available here. The TV version of this story also places the spotlight on the development of the patient isolation device by Western Health and The University of Melbourne.
Wellbeing measures
With the pressures everyone is under at this time, the focus on wellbeing is more important than ever and that is why we are implementing more and more measures of support.
New marquees available for staff
In response to the need for additional break rooms for staff to enable physical distancing, marquees have been installed in a number of locations across Footscray and Sunshine Hospital campuses. Please take advantage of these facilities within outdoor environments, as the risk of transmission of coronavirus is greatly reduced outdoors.
Caraniche – Employee Assistance Program – available for families
As part of caring for ourselves and our teams, we have expanded our Employee Assistance Program with Caraniche at Work to include not only employees and volunteers but their immediate family members also.
Our Employee Assistance Program is a free short-term counselling program with the purpose of providing care and support to any individual who requires assistance managing a wide range or work related or family and personal issues that are affecting their work performance and/or general wellbeing. See further information in the later part of this bulletin.
Compassion fatigue
Compassion can actually make us less vulnerable, increase and motivate our strength to act, and increase our resilience and sustainability. When we demonstrate compassion towards another person the hormone oxytocin is secreted from the pituitary gland, and this has a positive effect on our emotional, cognitive and social behaviours. Oxytocin improves our psychological stability, reduces our stress responses and enhances our trust. Healthcare workers are typically drawn to their professions because they are compassionate and want to help others. Looking after other people all the time may, however, take its toll, resulting in what we term ‘compassion fatigue’. See further information on this in the later part of this bulletin.
Remote schooling is back
With most school children due to commence schooling with remote learning once again, let’s consider our colleagues who are now facing that juggle of home schooling. If their juggle also involves working from home, a reminder to check in on how they are doing and keep those connections going even though they are working remotely.
PPE stars
Staff leading by example wearing correct PPE are being recognised with spot giveaways to reinforce the message that protecting ourselves and our colleagues is of great importance. Click here to read this lovely post about your star colleagues.
Please look after yourself and take the opportunity for a relaxing break whenever you can.
Regards
Suellen
On behalf of the Executive Team
More on compassion fatigue…
Compassion fatigue is something that is a particular risk for healthcare workers. This is because of the constant response to caring for others and the witnessing of the loss and grief in others as well as the need to respond to trauma. These stressors are amplified during a pandemic and can impact directly and adversely on our own physical, psychological and emotional health.
Signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue can include the following:
· exhaustion, absence of energy, feeling constantly mentally and physically tired
· apathy, sadness, no longer finding pleasure in activities
· difficulty in concentrating and functioning
· isolation from others both at work and/or socially
· difficulty in maintaining inter-professional relationships
· feeling detached from others
· reoccurrence of nightmares and flashbacks to a traumatic event
· unrelenting thoughts and concerns
· chronic physical ailments such as gastrointestinal problems, chronic pain and headaches
Not all healthcare workers will experience compassionate fatigue. In fact, professional satisfaction and motivation to practice is more common because the care provided ensures a compassionate approach.
If you do feel this way, there are lots of things you can do to look after yourself.
Some simple self-care strategies include:
· eating a healthy and balanced diet as well as physical exercise
· drinking plenty of water
· ensuring you get sufficient rest and sleep
· remaining engaged in family and personal relationships
· organising your life so you become proactive as opposed to reactive, or
· participating in leisure and recreational activities.
Teams can head off compassion fatigue in daily unit huddles by discussing difficult patients and exploring ways to work together instead of facing these situations alone.
Caraniche – Employee Assistance Program – available for families
The Employee Assistance Program(EAP) – delivered by Caraniche – is a stress and life management tool that provides a solution-focused approach where:
· You are given the opportunity to be heard
· Issues can be clarified
· Options and strategies are identified
· Assistance and planning is provided in developing an approach to a difficult situation
To access the EAP program you can self-refer by contacting Caraniche At Work directly to schedule an appointment with one of the available psychologists or contact the Western Health Wellbeing Unit on 8345 6689 for assistance in arranging support services.
Contact Details for Caraniche:
Phone: 1800 099 444 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days)
Email: work@caraniche.com.au
Online booking: https://work.caraniche.com.au/make-a-booking/
Note: email and web bookings are responded to during business hours only.