Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

 

The Covid-19: Are You OK? Pledge

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust supports the principles of the Nursing Times Covid-19: Are You OK? campaign.

This means we recognise the often-distressing nature of caring for patients with Covid-19, particularly when patients numbers are high and resources are stretched. We also recognise the potential negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of nurses and other colleagues of working through the coronavirus pandemic and are committed to providing support to those who are affected. We also recognise that the effects of this work may be delayed and/or enduring and will ensure support remains available after the crisis has passed.

In supporting the campaign, we pledge to:

• Provide easily accessible formal mental health and wellbeing support to colleagues for as long as it is needed;
• Foster a culture of mutual support, in which colleagues are alert to the possibility that colleagues may be experiencing problems as a result of their work during the pandemic, and ready to offer informal support such as listening and signposting to internal or external sources of formal support;
• Ensure that colleagues who are experiencing problems know that they will receive a positive, supportive response if they disclose problems, and understand that being asked ‘Are you OK?’ is a gesture of support and care, not an accusation of weakness.

We have already taken steps to protect colleague’s mental health and wellbeing. These include:

• Health and wellbeing risk assessment
• Care First 24/7 listening, counselling and advice service – telephone and web based
• Coaching support for doctors/consultants
• Support for trauma, PTSD, chronic and complex issues
• Bereavement support services for personal and professional grief and loss
• Friendly ear/wellbeing clinics
• Dedicated page for health and wellbeing resources
• Halsa Wellbeing sessions
• Virtual Schwartz Rounds
• Wellbeing ambassadors

Colleagues are the heart of our organisation; you have ensured we were not overwhelmed in the initial peak – often at great personal cost and continue to provide excellent and compassionate care to patients and their families. It is our responsibility to care for you, and to ensure that you are more than OK.

Ellen Armistead, deputy chief executive and executive director of nursing, said “Colleagues have been amazing throughout the pandemic, their resilience at these uncertain times and the challenges we have all faced has been made possible with our workforce pulling together.

“I am truly proud of the one culture of care that colleagues have wrapped around each other and the pastoral support that has been put in place.

“Please continue to look after yourselves and reach out for any support as you need it. It’s okay to not be okay.”

• Click here to read about our Covid-19: Are You OK? campaign