Features / Southmead Hospital
Southmead Hospital boss: ‘We are nothing without our staff’
To celebrate the fifth birthday of the Brunel building at Southmead Hospital, a day-long Festival of Engagement was held on Wednesday for all staff, patients and visitors.
The celebration marks five years since 500 patients were moved into the new hospital building, 20 of whom were critically ill.
It is clear that the Brunel building is more than just a bricks and mortar to staff and patients who inhabit it, however, becoming an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone who walks through the doors.
is needed now More than ever
The idea behind the festival was born from the importance of raising awareness of support available to both patients and staff to improve general wellbeing and mental health.
North Bristol NHS Trust chief executive Andrea Young highlighted the staff’s continued hard work.
She said: “We are nothing without our staff. We might have a beautiful building but if we haven’t got fantastic people that work here it doesn’t work.”
Chief executive Andrea Young (right) joins in the fun at the Festival of Engagement
The Festival of Engagement also raised awareness of the work that Southmead Hospital Charity do to support the infrastructure of the hospital and the patients and staff inside it.
The charity works very closely with staff and also provides support through funding for patients, staff projects, new buildings and equipment.
Aleisha Foreman, communications manager for Southmead Hospital Charity, said that in an increasingly digital age it is important to hold events such as this so that people can see the support that is available in person.
She said: “Taking an engagement event that is physical in the hospital rather than just in a digital sense gives people the chance to meet others and talk about the projects that are ongoing.”
Promoting healthy eating, exercise and being outdoors was a key theme at the event, with staff encouraged to lower their carbon emissions on their commute to work by walking, cycling, taking the bus or car sharing with other employees.
Ruth Sidgiwick from the sustainable development department promoting the importance of being eco-friendly and staff and patient wellbeing.
The sustainable development department encourages staff and patients to make use of the green spaces around the hospital that can be used for walks during breaks, taking a time out or even picnics during the summer.
The ‘Wigwam of Wellbeing’ offered a chance for staff to be made aware of the extra support which is accessible for when they are finding their work taxing on their mental health.
Read more: New clothing bank for patients at Southmead Hospital
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