SafeSpace.

SafeSpace is proudly sponsored by Pastest: a fantastic resource with a huge library of high-quality practice questions and mock exams for a wide range of healthcare professions. So, if you're serious about acing your exams, head over to Pastest.com. 

In this episode, Melany guides listeners through a calming meditation designed to help them recharge and find stillness after a busy day. She encourages participants to set an intention for their meditation, focusing on letting go of stress and embracing a sense of peace.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Taking time to relax and recharge is essential, especially after a busy day of giving to others. Engaging in meditation can help achieve this state of calm.

• Utilising specific breathing patterns, such as inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for six, can effectively calm the mind and body, helping to release stress and tension.

• Before beginning meditation, it's beneficial to set a personal intention, whether it’s to let go of stress, find peace, or simply be present with oneself.

• Reflecting on moments of gratitude, no matter how small, can foster a positive mindset and help acknowledge the good one brings into the world, even during challenging times.

• Acknowledging difficult moments without judgment and wrapping them in self-compassion allows for emotional release, promoting a healthier mental state and enhancing overall well-being.

BEST MOMENTS

"Take a comfortable seat or lie down in a position where you can fully relax. Allow your body to feel supported by the surface beneath you."

"After a day of giving so much to others, you deserve this moment to recharge and find stillness."

"As you breathe out, just allow your shoulders to drop and your neck to relax as though a heavy weight is being lifted."

"Just take a moment to recognise the good you bring into the world through your work even on the most challenging days."

"Remember that you can't pour from an empty cup; by taking time for yourself, you're better able to care for others."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

SafeSpace is proudly sponsored by Pastest: a fantastic resource with a huge library of high-quality practice questions and mock exams for a wide range of healthcare professions. So, if you're serious about acing your exams, head over to Pastest.com. 

In this episode, Mariam and Melany reflect on their enlightening interview with Dr. Ally Jaffee, a nutrition expert. They delve into the pervasive disinformation surrounding nutrition and the wellness industry, emphasising the importance of sustainable dietary changes over fad diets. They touch on their personal experiences with weight management, societal pressures regarding body image, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst busy schedules. They also explore the concept of intuitive eating, the impact of food choices on mental health, and the need for better nutritional options in healthcare settings. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• There is a significant amount of disinformation surrounding nutrition and health, particularly in the wellness and diet industries, which often prioritise profit over long-term effectiveness.

• Sustainable changes to eating habits are crucial for long-term health, rather than relying on fad diets that may provide short-term results but are ultimately unsustainable.

• The concept of intuitive eating encourages individuals to listen to their bodies, eat when hungry, and stop when full, rather than adhering to strict meal times or portion sizes.

• Nutrition plays a vital role in mental health, with research indicating that dietary changes can have a significant impact on mood and mental well-being, sometimes even more so than traditional therapies.

• The quality of food available in healthcare settings often does not prioritize nutrition, which can negatively affect both patients and staff. There is a need for a shift towards providing healthier food options in these environments.

BEST MOMENTS

"Food is seen as hospitality and treated as a catering service provision rather than a treatment plan, especially in Western society compared to Eastern society."

"It's really about retraining our minds into consistency and changing lifestyle into healthy eating as a way of life rather than just for the next two weeks."

"The modified Mediterranean diet has shown a significant impact on mood disorders, arguably more effective than talking therapy."

"I do feel the pressures of that and I feel guilt or I feel less than if I overeat and if I do put on the weight."

"It's about maximising nutrition, considering costs, and it's really difficult, especially with your average income and multiple kids."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

SafeSpace is proudly sponsored by Pastest: a fantastic resource with a huge library of high-quality practice questions and mock exams for a wide range of healthcare professions. So, if you're serious about acing your exams, head over to Pastest.com. 

In today's episode, Mariam interviews Dr. Ally Jaffee, an award-winning NHS doctor and psychiatry resident. They discuss her inspiring journey and vision for mental health care. Dr. Jaffee shares her unique educational background in Medical Humanities and the Creative Arts, emphasising how it enriches her approach to psychiatry by fostering a deeper understanding of patients' experiences. They delve into the importance of integrating nutrition into medical practice, highlighting the work of NutriTank, a co-founded initiative aimed at enhancing medical education in nutrition and lifestyle. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A background in Medical Humanities and the Creative Arts enhances the ability to understand patients' experiences, particularly in psychiatry, by fostering a holistic approach that considers cultural perspectives and personal narratives.

• Nutrition plays a crucial role in mental health treatment, with evidence suggesting that dietary interventions can improve psychiatric symptoms. The field of nutritional psychiatry is gaining recognition, highlighting the need for integrating nutrition education into medical training.

• There is a disparity in funding for creative and therapeutic activities in different psychiatric settings, with forensic wards often receiving more resources than general adult wards. This raises concerns about the overall quality of care and the importance of creative outlets for patient healing.

• Combatting nutrition misinformation is essential, as both healthcare professionals and the public can contribute to the spread of false information. Education on identifying credible sources and understanding the nuances of nutrition is vital for improving public health.

• Openness about personal mental health struggles can foster a supportive environment for others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help, emphasising the importance of community and connection in mental health care.

BEST MOMENTS

"It really helped me in psychiatry. To understand your patient's world especially when they're thought disordered and are saying really random sentences that make you know very little sense to the lay person."

"It does feel like we've not got a leg to stand on when we're getting to it."

"Nutrition can actually help with the psychiatric symptoms themselves, which is this area of nutritional psychiatry."

"Food is a meal shared with colours, different textures, that goes through a digestive process. It just is such an all encompassing therapeutic intervention."

"I think there's always so much comfort in knowing that you're not alone in going through it and still fighting another day."

GUEST DETAILS

https://www.nutritank.com

https://www.drallyjaffee.com

https://nhscep.com/our-clinical-entrepreneurs/

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

SafeSpace is proudly sponsored by Pastest: a fantastic resource with a huge library of high-quality practice questions and mock exams for a wide range of healthcare professions. So, if you're serious about acing your exams, head over to Pastest.com. 

In this episode, Melany guides listeners through a tranquil visualization exercise set on a serene beach. Melany invites participants to find a comfortable position and take deep breaths, immersing themselves in the calming imagery of golden sands, gentle waves, and the sun's warmth. As the session progresses, listeners are encouraged to connect with the natural rhythm of the ocean, allowing their worries and tensions to melt away. The experience culminates in a moment of deep relaxation, where individuals are reminded of their inner peace and the ability to return to this tranquil beach whenever needed.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The episode emphasizes the importance of finding a comfortable and quiet space to relax, encouraging listeners to take deep breaths and visualize a peaceful beach setting.

• Listeners are guided to imagine the sensations of warmth from the sun, the feel of sand beneath their feet, and the sound of gentle waves, which helps to create a calming mental image.

• The narrative encourages a connection to the natural environment, highlighting the soothing effects of the ocean, the breeze, and the overall beach atmosphere on mental well-being.

• The episode promotes mindfulness by suggesting that listeners focus on their breathing and the present moment, allowing worries and tension to slip away.

• It reassures listeners that they can return to this peaceful mental space whenever needed, reinforcing the idea that inner peace is always accessible.

BEST MOMENTS

"Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, let your mind start to form an image of a beach."

"With each wave that comes to shore, you feel a sense of calm washing over you."

"You feel the infinite possibilities of the ocean stretching out before you."

"You can hear the soft rolling waves, perhaps the distant cry of seagulls or gentle rustle of palm trees swaying in the breeze."

"In this moment, know that you are exactly where you need to be. You are safe, grounded and calm."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

SafeSpace is proudly sponsored by Pastest: a fantastic resource with a huge library of high-quality practice questions and mock exams for a wide range of healthcare professions. So, if you're serious about acing your exams, head over to Pastest.com. 

In this episode, Mariam and Melany McKenna reflect on their discussion with Dr. Lipi Roy, a prominent in-house doctor for major news networks and an advocate for vulnerable populations dealing with addiction. The conversation highlights Dr. Roy's passion and dedication to combating misinformation in healthcare, particularly around topics like vaccinations and women's reproductive health. Mariam and Melany delve into the stigmas surrounding mental health, emphasising the importance of understanding that everyone has mental health and can experience struggles. They explore harmful tropes, such as the misconception that mental illness is a weakness of character, and discuss the complexities of diagnosing mental health issues.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Dr. Lipi Roy's work in addiction highlights the need for compassion and support for vulnerable populations, particularly in a healthcare system that often stigmatizes and neglects them.

• Misinformation is false information shared without intent to deceive, while disinformation is deliberately misleading. Both pose significant challenges in public health, especially regarding vaccinations and reproductive health.

• There is a pervasive stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among healthcare professionals, who may feel pressured to appear "sorted" and may struggle to admit their own mental health challenges.

• Mental health issues are complex and multifaceted, requiring a balance between normalizing experiences and recognizing when professional help is needed. Diagnoses can provide clarity but should not overshadow individual experiences.

• It's essential for healthcare professionals to engage in critical thinking and remain open to questioning research and information, recognizing that biases can exist in studies, especially those funded by pharmaceutical companies.

BEST MOMENTS

"She has her own YouTube channel. She writes for Forbes, never mind her actual medical work, where she works in addiction and treats the populations of Boston and New York."

"It was just really nice to hear about that sense of kind of really rooting for the underdog, I guess."

"Combating misinformation and disinformation is really important, especially around women's reproductive health care and vaccinations."

"Misinformation is basically information that hasn't been given out with the intent of deception. Disinformation, on the other hand, is deliberately false or misleading information."

"The idea that there's kind of these diagnoses of mental health, and that happens to those people over there, and we're kind of immune from it somehow is quite a dangerous narrative."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

SafeSpace is proudly sponsored by Pastest: a fantastic resource with a huge library of high-quality practice questions and mock exams for a wide range of healthcare professions. So, if you're serious about acing your exams, head over to Pastest.com. 

In this enlightening episode of Safe Space, Mariam engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Lipi Roy, a renowned physician and public health advocate. Dr. Roy shares her inspiring journey into medicine, highlighting her focus on addiction and mental health, which was sparked by her work with Boston's homeless population. Their discussion delves into the challenges of combating medical misinformation, the importance of empathy in healthcare, and the launch of Dr. Roy's new health speaking and training company, SITAMED. As they explore the current landscape of public health, including the implications of political changes on women's health and access to care, Dr. Roy emphasises the need for advocacy and compassion in addressing these pressing issues. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The path to a medical career can be influenced by various factors, including family background and personal interests. A fascination with biology and a desire to understand diseases led to a focus on addiction and mental health.

• Working with Boston's homeless population revealed alarming mortality rates due to drug overdoses, prompting a commitment to understanding and addressing addiction through evidence-based and compassionate care.

• The creation of SITAMED, a health speaking and training company, was inspired by the burnout experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company aims to provide knowledge and support in trauma and addiction using mindfulness and empathy.

• There is a significant need to address medical misinformation, especially in the context of public health. Effective communication of accurate health information is essential to help the public make informed decisions.

• Despite challenges in the healthcare system, there is a call to action for healthcare professionals to engage in advocacy and activism. Small actions, such as signing petitions or contacting elected officials, can contribute to meaningful change in public health policies.

BEST MOMENTS

"In a very short time frame, drug overdose surpassed the previous causes of death among the city's most vulnerable population, which had been heart disease, HIV AIDS, and cancer."

"I think learning about the brain biology of addiction, learning about harm reduction and reducing harm, learning about stigma, all of these things really to this day have had a profound impact on how I treat people."

"I think that can sometimes get lost in translation as we're trying to provide a service, that empathy can be lost and replaced by stigma, especially somewhere like mental health and addiction."

"There's so much medical misinformation. It's not that they deliberately trust bad information; they just have difficulty distinguishing what's accurate and what's not."

"We need to lead with science and storytelling and compassion and advocacy. I believe that that's how the world works.

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

In this episode, Melany guides listeners through a soothing forest visualisation meditation. The session begins with instructions to find a comfortable position and focus on breathing, gradually leading participants to imagine walking along a serene forest path. As they engage their senses, listeners are encouraged to notice the sensations of the air, the warmth of sunlight, and the sounds of nature around them. The meditation deepens as they visualise a gentle stream, inviting them to relax by sitting or lying on the soft grass nearby.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The meditation focuses on a forest visualisation exercise, encouraging participants to create a vivid mental image of walking through a forest.

• Participants are guided to synchronize their breathing with their steps, promoting relaxation and mindfulness through deep, rhythmic breathing.

• The meditation emphasizes the importance of being aware of the surrounding environment, including the sights, sounds, and smells.

• The exercise aims to help individuals feel calm and at peace, fostering a sense of unity with nature as they visualise themselves in a serene forest setting.

• At the end of the meditation, participants are reminded that they can revisit this peaceful forest in their imagination whenever they wish, encouraging ongoing relaxation and mental well-being.

BEST MOMENTS

"Begin by finding a comfortable position, either sitting comfortably in a chair or lying down."

"Imagine yourself walking along a path through a forest. Imagine the feel of the path beneath your shoes, or perhaps you're even barefoot."

"Notice the feeling of the ground beneath your feet, the air on your skin, the warmth of the sunlight."

"You start to hear the sound of water faintly in the distance, gentle sounds of a stream."

"Know that you can return to this forest in your imagination whenever you like."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

In this episode, Mariam and Melany reflect on their insightful interview with Dr. Khalid Khan, a consultant cardiologist at Wrexham Hospital. They discuss Dr. Khan's joyful demeanor, his passion for teaching, and the importance of fostering a supportive learning environment for junior doctors. They also delve into the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, including the pressures of time management, the impact of administrative burdens on training, and the need for social connections within the workplace. Mariam shares her experiences as a junior doctor, highlighting the disheartening feeling of being undervalued in certain rotations, while Melany emphasizes the significance of investing in relationships and team cohesion.

Key Takeaways

• The discussion highlights the significance of mentorship and teaching in medical training, emphasizing that junior doctors should not just be seen as extra hands but as learners who need guidance and support to develop their skills.

• There is a concern about the current work culture in healthcare, where the focus on service provision often overshadows the need for social connections and team cohesion, leading to feelings of burnout and disconnection among staff.

• Engaging in social activities outside of work is deemed essential for fostering camaraderie and reducing workplace stress. The lack of such interactions can lead to a harsh work environment where colleagues are seen only in the context of their professional roles.

• The conversation reflects on the struggle to balance career ambitions with personal well-being, particularly in the context of saying no to opportunities that may lead to burnout or detract from personal time and self-care.

• There is a call for healthcare professionals to take a moment to slow down during consultations and work processes, as this can enhance the quality of care provided and foster innovative thinking, which is often stifled in high-pressure environments.

Best Moments

"You could really hear his passion for sharing knowledge and experience... how important it is to share and keep passing down, you know, generation to generation almost, the wisdom and the experience and knowledge."

"When you're doing those jobs day in, day out, it becomes quite repetitive... you just feel like a bit of a dog's body really."

"The training time being quite short... there is something to be said for how short the placements are, so people don't really feel like they have that time to connect with their colleagues."

"It's a hard one. If you're not going to put value to it, if you don't want to make the time for it, then you don't."

"I don't, I'm not sure I do very well, actually. Learning to say no seems like such a simple concept, but it's actually really tricky."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

In this episode, Mariam speaks to Dr. Khalid Khan, a consultant cardiologist at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, shares his journey into medicine and his passion for cardiology. He reflects on the early influences that shaped his career, including mentors and personal experiences that guided his path. Dr. Khan discusses the challenges and rewards of his diverse roles as a clinician, lecturer, and expert witness, emphasizing the importance of teaching and mentorship in medical education. He candidly addresses the current state of the NHS, expressing concerns about workforce issues, morale, and the impact of systemic pressures on healthcare professionals. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A lifelong interest in the human body and a desire to work with diverse populations led to a fulfilling career in medicine, particularly in cardiology, which was influenced by significant advancements in the field during the early years of practice.

• Positive and negative experiences with mentors have shaped professional development, highlighting the value of role models in guiding one's career path and the importance of learning from both good and bad examples.

• The shift towards more formalized and structured medical education has led to a decrease in organic teaching opportunities, which were once integral to the learning experience. This change has resulted in a focus on completing tasks rather than fostering genuine learning.

• There is a growing concern about the erosion of morale within the healthcare system, leading to experienced clinicians leaving the profession. Creating a supportive and valued work environment is essential for retaining staff and ensuring quality patient care.

• The emotional toll of witnessing patient suffering can be challenging for healthcare professionals. Finding ways to cope, such as sharing experiences with family and friends, is crucial for maintaining well-being while continuing to provide compassionate care.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think I was very fortunate. It was really the real heyday of cardiology in terms of new developments."

"Work has become a lot more business and service orientated."

"Ultimately, we are humans with some skills, but sometimes nature is nature, and I've come to be quite accepting of that."

"It seems like the work culture is more, let's just get this done because we're so short-staffed."

"I think we need to make people feel special and valued. It's not workload per se, but it's working in a happy place."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

In this episode, Dr Mariam Pereira and Melanie McKenna delve into the pressing issue of overworking in the healthcare sector and its detrimental effects on staff well-being. Drawing on their experiences within the NHS, they discuss the systemic challenges that lead to excessive workloads, the erosion of passion among healthcare professionals, and the resulting compassion fatigue. They also explore the positive impact of Schwartz Rounds as a reflective practice that fosters emotional connection and camaraderie among healthcare workers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Overworking leads to significant stress and burnout among healthcare professionals, affecting their well-being and job satisfaction. This systemic issue is an individual problem and a broader organizational challenge.

• They both highlight the relevance of Maslow's hierarchy, emphasizing that basic physiological and safety needs must be met for healthcare staff to thrive, rather than merely survive in their roles.

• Schwartz Rounds provide a reflective space for healthcare professionals to share experiences and emotions related to their work, fostering a culture of openness and support that can combat feelings of isolation and burnout.

• Implementing meaningful flexible working options can empower healthcare staff, allowing them to balance their professional and personal lives better, which can lead to improved job satisfaction and retention.

• The discussion stresses the importance of rebuilding relationships and camaraderie among healthcare professionals and fostering compassion towards colleagues and patients to combat the effects of compassion fatigue and moral injury.

BEST MOMENTS

"Excessive workload has all kinds of secondary impacts on the person... people aren't going to be able to achieve a sense of well-being in work whilst they are under so much pressure."

"We all should have the right to thrive. And it frustrates me that people are giving their all and being abused for it; it's not fair."

"There's a kind of common mentality of jaded... of that kind of attitude of, well, there's no point anyway, I've just got to get on with it."

"We need to start with the well-being of the healthcare professional... making people feel like they're valued and feeling like we care about them."

"Schwartz Rounds... are a reflective forum where people from across all different professionals can come together to reflect on the work that they do in healthcare."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.