A simple, yet powerful initiative designed to bring smiles, boost wellbeing and support colleagues in the workplace has been at the heart of World Kindness Day celebrations in the Ulster Hospital’s Paediatric Wards.
The hospital’s heartfelt ‘Kindness Campaign’, created by the Paediatric Team is continuing to grow, as staff go above and beyond to spread a sprinkle of kindness and joy among their fellow colleagues on the ward.
As part of the project, staff can complete, anonymously or not, a feedback form, praising their colleagues and how they have helped them lift spirits or something as simple as putting the kettle on during their shift. The forms are then popped into the ‘Kindess Box’ and a ‘Shining Star’ recipient is chosen to take a treat from it!
Paediatric Deputy Sister, Rebekah Allen shared how important it is to spread kindness to one another. “Our staff kindness initiative was started by our Lead Nurse, Karen Orr back in January. It is a great way to spread kindness within the Paediatric Teams. Once a month we get together as part of the Wellness Team and talk about the feedback that has come into the boxes. We get approximately 45 ‘compliment’ slips across the Teams.”
Rebekah continued, “It is completely priceless when a staff member learns that they are ‘Star of the Month’ and come to pick their prize from the wellbeing box. It just restores your faith that people are there to support you and let you know you are doing an amazing job,” said Rebekah.
“I think it is important to spread kindness to one another. Sometimes we can forget what type of pressured job we do and how important it is to spread kindness. It is really nice to have this initiative.”
Paediatric Ward Sister, Hannah Espiner added, “As a Ward Manager, it has been so uplifting for the staff. It makes our staff feel valued and listened to and that what they do, day in and day out, has been worth it.
“It is a wonderful way to show our staff that we fully recognise everything that they do, big or small and that the small wins matter just as much as the big wins. We are all rooting for each other!