University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust

The Covid-19: Are You OK? Pledge

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay 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 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:

• Brand new Psychological support booklet
• The ‘Lighthouse Café’ virtual support – The 'Lighthouse Café' is a safe non-judgemental environment where all colleagues can now meet virtually and share their stories
• Rest and Recuperation (R&R) rooms open for colleagues to take regular breaks
• Staff Support Clinics run by Union Staff-Side
• Chaplaincy support – Chaplaincy is a team of trained and accredited hospital chaplains and volunteers, supported by the Trust that offers religious and spiritual support.
• UHMBT Networks – Internal staff network to support colleagues.
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Respect Champions
• Freedom to Speak Up Guardian

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.

Sue Smith OBE, executive chief nurse and deputy chief executive at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Throughout the pandemic each and everyone one of nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and clinical support workers here at UHMBT have risen to the challenge and gone the extra mile to keep focussed on quality and safety through the most challenging of times.

“Therefore, the health and wellbeing of our colleagues remains a key priority for the trust and this is why we are supporting the Nursing Times campaign.

“UHMBT is committed to offering all our colleagues the necessary support that is needed to look after not only themselves, but each other.

“By taking regular breaks and time off and being aware of the support that is available through our fantastic Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service, our Chaplaincy and many other key networks, is key to having a fit and healthy workforce to deliver the highest level of patient care.”

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