Evelyn Mbewe on her redeployment to the All Staff Support Space
What is your usual role at Whipps Cross and what does this entail?
My usual role is staff nurse on Birch Ward. It entails caring for older people with various medical conditions and liaising with the multidisciplinary team as well as liaising with families.
Why were you redeployed and what was your redeployed role?
I was redeployed at the peak of the pandemic on medical advice and I was given an administrative role in the All Staff Support Space.
What is the All Staff Support Space, who accesses it and how has it helped staff?
The All Staff Support Space is an area that was created away from the from the work place to aid rest and relaxation, offer refreshments, creative activities, engagement, information and services like psychological support. All staff have a place to come to and just relax. They can also receive information regarding services that are available during this difficult time.
Have you received any feedback on the space?
Evaluation forms were handed out to staff who visited the space and the feedback was extremely positive. Verbal feedback has been positive too. Staff have expressed their desire to see the area remain open past the pandemic peak as they feel that the atmosphere in the area is welcoming with a relaxing ambiance. Staff have alluded to the fact that people working in the space are very friendly, understanding and helpful.
What time is the space available and who to?
The area is still open to all staff between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
What have you learned and enjoyed about working in this role?
During my time of redeployment, I have learnt and refined valuable lessons like interaction and engagement with staff from different staff groups. I have signposted staff to services such as psychologists and chaplaincy to support them and I’ve met and interacted with many senior staff that I haven’t had the opportunity to interact with previously.
I’ve really enjoyed working with the team who were extremely supportive, patient and understanding in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Meeting and engaging with staff and feeling like I’d been able to help people was incredibly rewarding.