Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust

The Covid-19: Are You OK? Pledge

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust is supporting 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 patient numbers are high and resources are stretched.

We also recognise the potential negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of nurses and other staff 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 staff for as long as it is needed;
• Foster a culture of mutual support, in which staff 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 staff 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 staff mental health and wellbeing including;

• Dedicated staff wellbeing service offering support, counselling or therapy. Staff can self-refer or a referral can be made by a line manager. Email pcn-tr.penninecare-sws@nhs.net  or tel. 0161 716 2710
• Wellbeing screening and support for our staff and their families through the Greater Manchester Resilience Hub
• Comprehensive staff wellbeing hub on our intranet
• ‘Wellbeing and work’ sessions have provided an opportunity for staff to share personal experiences, connect with other colleagues and support their own wellbeing
• Virtual wellbeing sessions on a range of subjects, such as understanding how to approach to change and adjusting to new ways of working
• Wellbeing and resilience training in collaboration with training provider Optima-life
• Staff and manager wellbeing packs with accessible resources such as NHS staff helpline 0300 131 7000 (7am-11pm) and links to financial support
• Blended Schwartz rounds
• Freedom To Speak Up Guardians
• Links to free wellbeing and mindfulness apps
• Implementation of health and wellbeing ‘wobble rooms’ across the trust

Staff are the heart of our organisation. You have ensured the NHS was 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.

Clare Parker, executive director of nursing at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our staff have been incredible throughout the pandemic, but it’s taken its toll.

“The sheer length of the pandemic, the yo-yo effect of good news followed by bad news, staffing pressures and increasing service demand are stressors that have worn people down.

“On top of this, some have lost loved ones, some have partners who have lost their jobs or children who aren’t coping. Others have missed out on experiences and life milestones, like weddings and funerals. So, many are understandably feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained.

“We have been doing everything we can to support them, in a practical and holistic way and are proud to pledge our support for the Nursing Times “Are you OK?” campaign.

“They are our most precious resource, the beating heart of our organisation and we must do everything we can to help keep them well.”

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