The South Eastern Trust has strengthened its commitment to staff wellbeing with the appointment of its first Mental Health Nurse within its Occupational Health Team.
Mental Health Nurse, Harmony Chapman brings almost 14 years of professional experience across a range of mental health settings to the role.
The new role will provide specialist advice and compassionate support to staff across the Trust, while helping colleagues manage mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Occupational Health plays an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of staff throughout their working lives. The service helps colleagues manage work-related health concerns, prevent illness and injury and where possible, supports them to remain in or return to work.
The Multi-Disciplinary Team provides support across a wide range of areas including workplace health assessments, advice on returning to work following illness or injury and guidance for staff and managers on maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.
Speaking about her appointment, Harmony said, “I was delighted to be appointed to the role of Mental Health Nurse within the Occupational Health Department of the South Eastern Trust.
“When I heard about the position, I was impressed that the Health Service not only recognised the need for mental health support for its staff, but was also willing to invest in its people by appointing a Mental Health Nurse.
“My professional experience has given me a good understanding of mental illness across various settings and ways to promote wellness and recovery for staff. The role has also given me valuable insight into the daily challenges and pressures staff face which I think is very important in this role.
“My own lived experience of mental health difficulties has also given me a different perspective. At times, this has significantly impacted my ability to work and required me to navigate mental health services and Occupational Health support.
“I have perspective from both sides of the coin as a practitioner and as someone who has required support.
“Personally, this is an exciting opportunity for me to give back to staff who give so much to others in their various roles. It is a real honour and privilege to be in this position and to contribute positively to the health and wellbeing of staff across the Trust.”
South Eastern Trust Lead Nurse for Occupational Health Services, Karen Walker, said the new appointment further strengthens the support available to staff.
Karen added, “Occupational Health is here to support staff throughout their working lives and to help them stay healthy, safe and well at work. On Occupational Health Week, we are highlighting the importance of prevention and early intervention in supporting workplace health and wellbeing.
“We are really excited to be expanding our Multi-Disciplinary Team with the addition of Harmony in her role as our first Mental Health Nurse alongside additional Physiotherapists.
“This strengthens our ability to provide early specialist support for both mental health and musculoskeletal health and ensures our staff have access to the right support when they need it.”
Senior Occupational Health Physiotherapist, Susan McKnight said the service has also been supporting staff with their physical health for more than 14 years.
Susan stated, “Our Occupational Physiotherapy Service has been in place for over 14 years and we work closely with our Occupational Health colleagues to support staff with their physical and musculoskeletal health following injury.
“We provide early intervention and preventative support to help keep our staff well and in work. By working together as a Multi-Disciplinary Team, we can provide a more holistic approach to staff wellbeing and support colleagues across the Trust to stay healthy and well throughout their working lives.”