Nominated for Team of the Year Award
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
In 2022 these amazing ladies, Tash, Kim & Claire put together an information board discussing a variety of wellbeing topics, selecting a different one each month. These topics varied from endometriosis, miscarriage, infertility & mental health to name a few. The girls then linked the topics into awareness months and the team also highlighted this via twitter.
Throughout last year and 2023 it has been amazing to see how many people came to the team to share their stories and support. Knowing there is a team who is dedicated to supporting colleagues when they are going through a tough time is amazing.
This year has empowered staff with information and knowledge in sign posting. With an increase in young females attending the unit with symptoms such as abdo pain, heavy periods, ovarian cysts or suspected endometriosis staff have been able to provide knowledge and support to patients and their families in questions they should be asking their Dr’s and encouraging them to speak up about their symptoms or suggesting Apps that might be beneficial to track symptoms etc. This has also encouraged staff to be able to sign post patients/families looking for support following infant loss or miscarriage
Working along side the chief executive and the people partner the team have introduced a specific fertility policy which is now published as the trust did not have one. This is supporting not only our fellow colleagues but also our colleagues throughout the trust.” Following this the team have now introduced a Fertility support group within the trust that is accessible by all staff members. This has encouraged colleagues to also want to become involved.
These are incredible women who despite their own personal journeys are out there supporting everyone else and ensuring their voices are heard. They are just inspirational and a privileged to work with.
The women’s wellbeing team have been an exceptional support to myself over the last year. I don’t know what I would of done without their continued support, advice, hugs, chats and tissues.
Their passion for supporting staff and educating staff, patients and their families surrounding taboo subjects or subjects that people do not know about is next to none.
To have someone understand your journey, your experiences and to feel validated for these feelings is often what is needed. These ladies do this through their love and passion.
The new IVF/Fertility policy has made an immense difference to myself and others within the trust, they have managed to have the time allowance increased not only for the individual having treatment but also partners that also work within the trust. There is now clear guidance and sign posting in how managers can provide essential support.
Thankyou ladies,
PAFTAs 