Hi All,
I think your video identifies key areas that would allow us to feel safe at work. What I have found is the lack of clear information being a massive issue, more so during Pandemic times. This is not likely due to the individual trusts, but the change of messages in government on a national basis and the individual trusts adapting as necessary. Although this topic appears very clinical, I feel that members of staff need some certainty in these very uncertain times. Staff are adapting, changing and being flexible with their practices which can be stressful and put a strain on a team & systems. I appreciate that in health care, we constantly change our practices, but this topic is much more personal than previous. This pandemic is indiscriminate, and has the potential to affect staff, staff families, friends, colleagues and so on. When so many health and social care workers have been affected and have died due to this pandemic, the change in practices on top of this, is a lot for people to take in.
The problem I fear we have now, is that a lot of staff are "bracing for impact" and I don't know how much reserve particularly the nursing profession has with regards to this. I fear from an economic standpoint, that lockdowns and similar measures would not a be a viable option, therefore approaching Flu season, there is much apprehension regarding Flu vs COVID which is becoming a topic in the back of our minds.
Staff Well-Being has definitely been bought forward in recent months, with offers of psychological help and Self Care ideas from larger and local businesses/ apps which has been fantastic. But these are not going to last forever, and if/ when COVID is over, I worry about the aftermath particularly those health and social care practitioners, who may have been in lockdown 2-3 times in certain areas of the UK.
I whole-heartedly agree with the 3 you have chosen, but I think there is more. I think having just 3 is a band aid on a gushing wound. I fear we may need a bandage.