KCHC-AR-2023 Final Signed - Flipbook - Page 11
Improving patient and visitor experience
Psychological support
In 2022/23, funding from NHS Charities Together means
that staff who need additional help can now be referred
to the Staff Psychology Support team to meet with
highly specialised psychologists like Stephanie Okwu.
Over the past year, Stephanie has worked with a number
of staff who were struggling with issues relating to their
physical and mental health, including work-related
stress. She has also been co-ordinating proactive ‘inreach’ sessions to different parts of the hospital, running
reflective sessions, providing rapid response care to
distressed Critical Care Unit staff, and coordinating
structured forums, known as Schwarz Rounds. With
over 500 people attending over the last 12 months, the
monthly Rounds have helped staff feel more supported
in their jobs, as well as less isolated and stressed.
We previously made a grant to fund a part-time clinical
supervisor post in the Princess Royal University
Hospital's Chartwell units, to support nurses working
with cancer patients. In the lead up to Angela Gillard's
appointment, a review revealed that staff only reached
out for support when they were already at crisis point or
on sick leave. With low retention rates and higher than
average sick leave, it was clear that the nursing staff were
struggling with the emotional burden of their work.
Stephanie Okwu (far left)
with other members of the
Staff Psychology
Support team at a recent
Schwarz Round forum.
I didn’t
think therapy
would be for me…but
this was really helpful.
Talking made me feel less
alone, I feel more like myself
again. I feel part of the team
and I think I am a good
nurse, too.
Staff member
During 2022/23, Angela has been able to provide
impartial support and guidance to over 60 members
of staff. During monthly group supervision sessions,
staff can freely discuss any issues or worries in the
knowledge that they are in a safe, confdential space.
The sessions are well attended and staff have noted that
communication has significantly improved. Not only
is there a renewed sense of teamwork and belonging,
they also feel valued and that their voices are heard.
Recent reports show that retention rates are up, sickness
is down and there has been a positive increase in
recruitment and internal promotion.
To help tackle the nurse staffing crisis, we
awarded £8,700 to create a short film to
encourage nurses to become part of the child
health team across King’s. This valuable
recruitment tool highlights the training, benefits
and career progression available and will be
used on social media platforms and alongside
job adverts nationally and internationally.
Rewarding success
Five years ago, King’s College Hospital Charity began
funding the King’s Stars Awards to recognise and
reward outstanding care, dedication and long service
by staff. After a two-year hiatus because of COVID-19
restrictions, we were delighted to support the annual
awards in London in November. With over 300 people
in attendance, worthy winners were presented with a
framed certificate, trophy and prize.
K I N G’ S CO L L E G E H O S P I TA L C H A R I T Y A N N UA L R E P O R T A N D A CCO U N T S 2 0 2 2 / 2 3
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