In the episode hosts Mariam and Melany McKenna engage in a heartfelt discussion reflecting on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by an interview with Dr. Harsha Reddy. They explore themes of resilience, compassion, and the emotional toll faced by healthcare professionals in the NHS. The conversation highlights Dr. Reddy's authentic approach to addressing complaints and fostering change, as well as the importance of empathy in the healthcare environment. Mariam and Melany share their challenges during the pandemic, including the struggles of balancing work and family life while witnessing the hardships faced by patients and colleagues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The discussion highlights the significance of compassion and empathy in the healthcare environment, emphasizing the need for professionals to respect and understand the experiences of others, regardless of their background or status.
Both hosts reflect on the profound mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating how the trauma of witnessing suffering and loss has lasting effects on individuals in the profession.
There is a concern that the appreciation for healthcare workers, which peaked during the pandemic with public applause, has diminished post-COVID, leading to feelings of frustration and neglect among staff who continue to work hard under challenging conditions.
The conversation notes a positive shift in the healthcare culture regarding mental health awareness, with more openness and willingness to discuss emotional well-being among colleagues.
Sharing personal stories and experiences is portrayed as a powerful tool for healing and connection, helping individuals feel less isolated in their struggles and fostering a sense of community among healthcare workers.
BEST MOMENTS
"I appreciated that courage... his openness was so refreshing and I felt like we broke new uncharted territory."
"He talked about the complaint... his ability to kind of shelve that instinctive response and be able to put himself in that other person's shoes."
"We lost 500 years worth of nursing experience in the 12 months post-COVID."
"It just feels like it potentially has been also quickly forgotten post-COVID."
"A burden shared is a burden halved. If I was ever to get a quote tattooed, that would be it."
HOST BIO
Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time.
Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.
If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.
PODCAST DESCRIPTION
SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling.
There are 3 components to the podcast:
- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers
- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc
- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.
This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.