Workshops use theatre techniques to boost staff wellbeing at our hospitals
Workshops use theatre techniques to boost staff wellbeing at our hospitals
22 May 2023
The organisation Performing Medicine has been working across our hospitals, running sessions for nurses, registrars, physiotherapists and intensive care staff.
Staff were shown techniques to help them take time to reset during the day, especially when faced with stressful situations.
Thanks to your generous support, we’ve been able to fund the workshops as part of our arts engagement programme, which provides a range of creative arts activities for patients and staff at our hospitals.
For one staff member, the workshop highlighted the important connection between their mind and body.
They said: “The most useful element of the workshop was learning about states of tension, as it allowed me to recognise that your physical state is very linked to your mental state - and you can change it to affect your mood.”
During the session staff practiced connecting to and noting feelings in the body, breathing techniques and tools to prioritise self-care in the busy hospital environment.
“It allowed me to recognise that your physical state is very linked to your mental state - and you can change it to affect your mood.”
Another participant said they found the session particularly useful to help process feelings of grief at work.
They said: “What I took away from the workshop is that it’s okay to be sad if a patient is dying, and that it’s important to take time out for yourself.”
After the workshop, 94% agreed the session had allowed them time to reflect on their current wellbeing needs while 88% said they had learnt practical skills they could apply in their professional role.
The sessions also offered a chance for teams to reconnect with their peers after the long period of disruption caused by Covid-19.
The team at Performing Medicine shared how much they’ve enjoyed providing an opportunity for staff to connect with themselves and each other.
They said: “It’s been an absolute joy to work with a range of staff across the hospital.
“It’s been rewarding to see staff at all levels take time out for their wellbeing and have the opportunity to connect with colleagues.
“We hope they leave with strategies to incorporate self-care into their practice, and with a greater awareness of their physicality and the agency this affords them.”
Performing Medicine is an initiative founded by Suzy Willson and delivered by a team of artists. They run courses and training to support health professionals provide high quality, compassionate care using techniques from performing and visual arts.
You can find out more about Performing Medicine here.
Image credit: Benedict Johnson
