Published on: 14th July 2021

We are supporting the principles of the Nursing Times Covid-19: Are You OK? campaign.

This means we recognise the often-distressing nature of caring for patients with Covid-19, particularly when patient numbers are high and resources are stretched.

We also recognise the potential negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of nurses and other staff of working through the coronavirus pandemic, and are committed to providing support to those who are affected.

We also recognise that the effects of this work may be delayed and/or enduring and will ensure support remains available after the crisis has passed.

In supporting the campaign we pledge to:

  • Provide easily accessible formal mental health and wellbeing support to staff for as long as it is needed;
  • Foster a culture of mutual support, in which staff are alert to the possibility that colleagues may be experiencing problems as a result of their work during the pandemic, and ready to offer informal support such as listening and signposting to internal or external sources of formal support;
  • Ensure that staff who are experiencing problems know that they will receive a positive, supportive response if they disclose problems, and understand that being asked ‘Are you OK?’ is a gesture of support and care, not an accusation of weakness.

We have already taken steps to protect staff mental health and wellbeing including;

  • Dedicated staff wellbeing service offering support, counselling or therapy. Staff can self-refer or a referral can be made by a line manager. Email pcn-tr.penninecare-sws@nhs.net  or tel. 0161 716 2710
  • Wellbeing screening and support for our staff and their families through the Greater Manchester Resilience Hub
  • Comprehensive staff wellbeing hub on our intranet
  • ‘Wellbeing and work’ sessions have provided an opportunity for staff to share personal experiences, connect with other colleagues and support their own wellbeing
  • Virtual wellbeing sessions on a range of subjects, such as understanding how to approach to change and adjusting to new ways of working
  • Wellbeing and resilience training in collaboration with training provider Optima-life
  • Staff and manager wellbeing packs with accessible resources such as NHS staff helpline 0300 131 7000 (7am-11pm) and links to financial support  
  • Blended Schwartz rounds
  • Freedom To Speak Up Guardians
  • Links to free wellbeing and mindfulness apps
  • Implementation of health and wellbeing ‘wobble rooms’ across the Trust

Staff are the heart of our organisation. You have ensured the NHS was not overwhelmed in the initial peak – often at great personal cost, and continue to provide excellent and compassionate care to patients and their families. It is our responsibility to care for you, and to ensure that you are more than OK.