COVID fund supports staff wellbeing throughout Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

Throughout the COVID pandemic, the Health Board has been hugely grateful to receive lots of monetary donations from members of the public, many specifying that they would like their contributions to go towards supporting and improving staff wellbeing.

CTM staff were asked for their preferences for how these funds could be best used to support their wellbeing at work. Following lots of feedback, varied items were purchased from the funds; such as toiletries for our overseas nurses, refreshments, TV sets, IPads for supporting staff training, white goods for staff rest rooms and much more.

One common request was for benches in outside areas where staff could go, sit and relax during their breaks. The Health Board is currently working towards improving outside garden areas which will also support the wellbeing of staff.

Paul Mears, Chief Executive at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said: “We cannot thank our community enough for all the donations made to our Health Board during the pandemic. It has been a hugely difficult time for our staff and we are incredibly grateful to our community for all their support. We will continue to use the funds to improve the wellbeing services we offer to our workforce; our most important asset. Our staff have worked so hard, not only through COVID, but every day they come to work and have hugely appreciated all the support given to them.”

One area where benches have benefited staff wellbeing is at our Communications Hub in Williamstown. The arrival of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) team in Williamstown made staff breaks more challenging and social distancing more generally.

Karen Winder, CTM ICT Team Manager said: “The staff wellbeing funds allowed us to purchase benches for staff to make use of the external space. They are being used for staff breaks but also for staff meetings, allowing teams to get some fresh air whilst adhering to social distancing.

“This area will be even more important as more staff return to base to work and the outside space will hopefully provide them with the chance to take their breaks away from the desks.”

Clare Wright, Strategic Lead for Wellbeing at CTMUHB said: “There has never been a more important time for NHS staff to feel supported by others and for them to take time to care for their own wellbeing on a daily basis.

NHS staff give incredible care to others but often find it more difficult to care for themselves. The wellbeing service is not only here to support staff who are struggling, but also to enable everyone to keep themselves well. The public donations have really made a difference in supporting our staff. Thank you.”