The day began with warm welcoming message by Awa Bah, the Clinical Services Manager, to all attendees both in the venue and via Zoom. Judith Etheridge the Hospital Manager, led the event with an inspiring opening speech on the need for compassion to ourselves, and thanked the staff for their contribution to the service. Barry Swires, Operations Director shared his knowledge on resilience and Matteo Parrisi, Clinical Psychologist, held an exercise on compassion.
Stalls at the event included HR on staff benefits and Training and Development on opportunities for learning and progression. There was also a Wellbeing stall, held by Head of Psychology Gemma Gloster, the Physical Health Lead Nurse Erika Murphy and Specialist Doctor Dr Madu. They focused on practical ways to look after our physical health and psychological needs. Staff engaged in activities to exercise being compassionate to themselves and others. The Beckton QI Team were also on hand to discuss retention initiatives undertaken, plans for the future and how this can be improved.
There was an award ceremony for six managers who completed the World Class Managers programme. This was held by Mandy Blanchard, Head of Learning and Development and Adam Blanch, Training Manager. Both gave speeches on exciting opportunities for staff and how to access them. This was followed by an anniversary celebration of staff at the hospital with between 10-20 years of service. Collectively, they have spent 320 years at Beckton! It was very inspirational, as 24 members of staff were applauded, recognised and appreciated for their time.
Staff had a great time learning, engaging in self care, dancing, playing games and taking part in photo shoots in the photo booth. They also enjoyed plenty of tasty food and drink, alongside a takeaway goodie bag.
Huge thanks to everyone who helped to run the event, representatives from all departments, wards, catering team, the QI Team, and the host of the event for all their hard work.