'Well-being dens' set up at King's Mill Hospital to allow stressed-out staff time out to reflect and take care of their mental health

With the help and funding of the Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity, the rooms have been set up to include relaxing chairs, mood lighting and have the ability to play music in them.

It is hoped that they will offer a short escape for staff who may need to take a short break or period of relaxation time to help deal with the current coronavirus outbreak.

Matron on ICU, Christian Brailsford said: “I think creating a safe space for colleagues is a great idea, the one that we have set up in critical care is brilliant.

“Sometimes you just need a quick five minutes or so, just to step out of the situation you are in and have some time to just reflect and think. It is so important that we look after our mental health and well-being during these testing times and I will certainly be encouraging my teams to use the room as and when they can.”

Safe spaces have been set up across the hospital in a bid to ensure that staff can have these much needed time out areas. An ‘SFH Wellbeing Den’ has also been set up at King’s Mill Hospital and Newark Hospital, where colleagues can go, whilst maintaining social distancing, for some help or advice on mental health and well-being.

Director of culture and improvement, Emma Challans added: “We know how important it is, especially at the moment, to ensure that everyone is thinking about their mental health and well-being. We know that the situation may be overwhelming for some colleagues and we are doing all we can to support them during this time.

“We are also doing weekly health and well-being videos that colleagues can access remotely to ensure that everyone feels supported and is thinking about their own self-care. I think it helps to just stop and check in with yourself, reflect and make sure you are okay.”

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