Investing in staff wellbeing
30 March 2023 (last updated 10 May 2024)
We are investing in initiatives to help support Moorfields staff with their wellbeing and mental health across the hospital and other Moorfields sites.
Our staff are one of Moorfields’ most valuable assets. That’s why we’re proud to help improve staff wellbeing across Moorfields, which impacts on the care and wellbeing of patients too.
Moorfields Bedfords’ transformation
Moorfields Eye Charity and Friends of Moorfields staff were delighted to attend a special event in the south wing at the Moorfields Eye Centre at Bedford Hospital.
The occasion celebrated the opening of a brand new kitchen and chill-out area, as well as a repurposed meeting space designed to enhance staff wellbeing.
The event was a testament to the community spirit within the Moorfields family, with staff from various departments coming together.
The highlight of the day was the opening of the new meeting space by Sheila Adam, and the wellbeing spaces by Tim Hutchings, Chair of Friends of Moorfields.
Guests were treated to a taste of the new facilities with delicious samosas and spring rolls, prepared in the fully functioning kitchen.
We would like to thank you guys from the charities for giving this to us.
Staff member, Moorfields Eye Centre at Bedford Hospital
A dedicated working group of Moorfields Bedford staff took the lead in project managing the creation of these new spaces.
Their tireless efforts have paid off, providing a much-needed upgrade from the previous arrangements where staff had limited options for their breaks.
I absolutely love it; it’s been challenging but worth it.
Staff member, Moorfields Eye Centre at Bedford Hospital
Now, the staff at Moorfields Bedford have a welcoming space to enjoy their lunch breaks or to take a moment of respite during their busy days.
The new spaces are more than just physical improvements; they represent Moorfields’ dedication to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for all its staff.
The space is absolutely lovely. It gives us a chance when we finish a clinic in the morning to come up here and forget about work stuff and relax before we crack on in the afternoon.
Staff member, Moorfields Eye Centre at Bedford Hospital
It’s a place where they can recharge, reflect, and connect with colleagues in a comfortable setting.
The transformation of these spaces was made possible thanks to the funding from Moorfields Eye Charity and Friends of Moorfields.
Meet Kate Godfree: Moorfields’ health and wellbeing advisor
We are proud to announce our role in funding a newly established health and wellbeing advisor position, in collaboration with NHS Charities Together.
Kate Godfree, Moorfields’ advisor, offers support and guidance on a range of issues that can affect staff engagement and mental health.
Kate has met with high numbers of staff via in-person events, learning sessions, and webinars on a diverse range of subjects.
These include financial management, menopause awareness, nutrition, and pilates classes, among others.
Workplace wellbeing is important for many reasons: it impacts on the individual employee, the organisation and on patient outcomes. Since I joined, we have been working hard to develop the health and wellbeing programme and I have really enjoyed working with colleagues across the trust to improve health and wellbeing here at Moorfields.
Kate Godfree
Moorfields Eye Hospital is committed to embedding sustained good health and wellbeing practices across the organisation.
To achieve this goal, Moorfields is creating communities of practice by enlisting, for example, menopause advocates from across the sites.
These menopause advocates will help to raise awareness of menopause, provide support and signpost resources for their colleagues.
These advocates will help to champion wellbeing, raise awareness, and signpost resources for their colleagues.
A sanctuary for staff
Staff also have access to the wellbeing space in Kemp House (adjacent to the hospital on City Road).
Thanks to NHS Charities Together’s support, we set up and opened the wellbeing space during the pandemic.
Working through COVID-19 took a significant physical, emotional and mental impact on staff.
The wellbeing space is designed to be a sanctuary for all staff to use, whether they need to take a break from work, want to have some lunch or simply just relax.
The new staff wellbeing room is a great way for us to take time out and detach ourselves from our busy schedule in order to maintain our wellbeing.
Sarah Valentine, senior staff nurse, pre-assessment clinic
Regular breaks are essential to recharge the mind, and a chat with a colleague in a non-work-related space can be hugely beneficial.
Our wellbeing space offers a peaceful, welcoming environment for staff to unwind, de-stress and rejuvenate.
Investing in our greatest asset
We believe that investing in the wellbeing of Moorfields staff is a vital step towards creating a happier, healthier workplace and will ultimately benefit patients and their care.
We’re proud to support these new initiatives and all the amazing staff at Moorfields.
We will be continuing to work with Moorfields to find new and innovative ways to support staff.