Support for Staff

Support graphic

We recognise this is an anxious time for colleagues and have summarised below a range of measures to support colleagues, including those experiencing emotional distress, and some information about additional support measures we are putting in place. Nationally, the NHS is putting in place further staff wellbeing support in response to the current situation, which will be added to this page as this becomes available.

Psychological Support

Occupational Health & Wellbeing Department’s Staff Counselling Team
To strengthen the level of support for staff during the current situation, the team has installed additional phone lines to respond to staff more quickly. They have also redirected clinical staff from less critical activities to increase capacity to support staff and managers with requests for advice. The department is also in the process of urgently putting in place a designated Psychological Support Hotline for staff in addition to the OH staff counselling service and support already available. This will draw on expertise from other psychologists outside of the OHWB Department working in and around the hospital. This telephone line will be available to staff on a daily basis and managed by a team of Trust counsellors and therapists. Further details and how to access the hotline will be provided shortly.  

A telephone drop in is available on Wednesday mornings in addition to booked appointments.The Staff Counselling Team is also helping to deal with staff and management enquiries via the advice line. 

24 Hour Counselling Helpline
Immediate advice and support is available for staff via the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) available 24/7 via telephone, including information and practical support in relation to stress, anxiety and health. 

The Trust’s Pastoral and Spiritual Care Team
The chaplaincy is here for you and support and can be accessed by 01752 245255 (or internal 55255) or via switchboard on 01752 202082 day or night to page the duty Chaplain.

Priority wellbeing support for NHS and social care staff from Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Do you need individual support with your wellbeing? Self-refer to TALKWORKS online at www.TALKWORKS.dpt.nhs.uk or call 0300 555 3344. Appointments will either be on the phone of through digital platforms.   

Are you experiencing difficulties within your team, or does your team need support? Contact our Workplace Support Service who can offer group support to teams, particularly after a traumatic event. Email: dpt.od@nhs.net. Available 8am-8pm, 7 days a week.

Please also see a list of the NHS approved mental health helplines.

Space to take time out

Café, Level 5, Terence Lewis Building - free hot drinks are available for you to rehydrate and recharge.

Discovery Library, Level 5, Terence Lewis Building - this is a 24/7 space where you are welcome to make use of the big open, calm space to decompress. 

Secret Garden for staff  - A flower garden is Secret flower garden available for you to spend quiet time and reflection. It's found on level 4 by theatres and ICU. Just ask for the keys at ICU. 

Accommodation

A number of colleagues have already expressed a need for accommodation either close to the hospital or away from vulnerable loved ones. If you would be interested in this, in the first instance please discuss if this is strictly necessary with your line-manager. If your line-manager is supportive, please email the accommodation team on plh-tr.oncall@nhs.net with the following information:

  • Name
  • Telephone Number
  • Department
  • Job Title
  • Line Manager’s name
  • Reason for request for accommodation

The accommodation team will respond to any requests as quickly as possible. Please note that requests will be assessed and prioritised according to risk assessment guidance.

Advice

A COVID-19 Resource Pack is also being compiled which will provide advice and support on a range of subjects including anxiety, panic, trauma and stress/burn out. In the meantime, colleagues may find this short handout on Coronavirus and Anxiety developed from information supplied by British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, helpful. See advice and FAQs page here.

Financial Wellbeing

The Trust has a range of financial wellbeing support and information available for staff. This includes the Neyber financial education hub with access to financial tools and resources, that can be accessed via www.neyber.co.uk/uhp and the Cavell Nurses’ Trust, a charity providing advice, support and financial assistance for registered nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants when they face personal or financial difficulties. Cavell Nurses’ Trust can provide hardship financial assistance by way of grants (which are not required to be repaid), a listening ear and practical support. They can be reached via Telephone 01527 595 999 or via their website here.

Mindfulness 

Catalyst 14, who provide our coaching training,  are offering a series of virtual mindfulness sessions. Each session will last up to 30 minutes and will be delivered live via Zoom on Friday mornings. The first session is at 15:30 this Friday, 20th March with a series of dates over the coming months. Click here for details on mindfulness and registration.  

Wellbeing apps

NHS staff have been given free access to a number of wellbeing apps from now until the end of December 2020 to support their mental health and wellbeing. For a full list, visit: NHS Employers website

Staying Active At Home

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