In this episode of The Kind Side, host Frances sits down with Anna, a dedicated cleaner working in the children's ward of a large hospital. Transitioning from 15 years in retail to hospital cleaning, Anna shares how her new role brings her joy and fulfillment, making her feel valued and appreciated. She talks about her daily routine, the heartwarming interactions with children, families, and staff, and the significance of being part of the healthcare team.

Anna also discusses the meaningful "1000 Hearts" project - an initiative spreading kindness through handmade felt hearts. She recounts touching stories of how giving these little tokens of care has connected her with patients and uplifted their spirits, fostering a sense of community and empathy in challenging times.

This episode highlights the often-overlooked contributions of hospital cleaners and the simple acts of kindness that make a big difference in creating a positive and supportive healthcare environment.

Welcome to another episode of The Kind Side, hosted by Frances, where she sits down with Sarah, a seasoned hospital chaplain. Despite a technical hiccup that led to the loss of their first recording, Sarah graciously returns to share her experiences and wisdom. In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah discusses her unexpected journey into hospital chaplaincy, the significance of active listening, and the importance of providing spiritual care in a healthcare setting.

Sarah shares valuable insights on how she supports both patients and healthcare staff, emphasizing the role of hope and compassion during challenging times. Listeners will be inspired by her stories of kindness and the transformative power of connecting with others on a deep, spiritual level. Frances and Sarah also delve into the ways chaplains cater to diverse faith needs, ensuring that spiritual support is available to all, regardless of belief. Join this enlightening discussion to explore the profound impact of humanity and empathy in the healthcare environment.

Regarding kindness to self and self-care, Sarah wanted to share that "My relationship with God keeps me going. I try not to take home the things which don’t belong to me. I leave these in God’s hands for him to carry on a daily basis, because his hands are much bigger and more able to carry these than mine."

Join Frances in this heartfelt episode of "The Kind Side" as she engages in a poignant conversation with patient Daryl and his wife Lia, reflecting on their journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Daryl shares his personal experience with neck cancer, highlighting the critical role of professional care and the unwavering support from Lia and their family and friends.

Delve into the unique perspectives of both Daryl and Lia, exploring their different coping mechanisms. Lia's desire for information and Daryl's trust in medical experts paint a diverse picture of dealing with a challenging diagnosis. Listen as they discuss the profound impact of compassionate healthcare workers and support networks, which played a pivotal role in Daryl's recovery.

Discover the small yet significant acts of kindness that uplifted their spirits during their darkest times, and learn about the importance of empathy when supporting patients and caregivers. This episode is a touching reminder of the strength found in unity, resilience, and kindness.

Join us as we listen to Margaret narrate her powerful and moving poem that provides insight into the experience of mental illness and hospitalisation. In this poem, Margaret draws on her personal experiences, revealing the resilience and strength found in moments of vulnerability. Through this poem, we gain empathy and a deeper understanding of the patients' journey and the compassionate care they receive.

This unique episode emphasises the importance of kindness and empathy in healthcare, encouraging listeners to reflect on their perceptions of mental health and to carry forward the message of understanding and compassion for those affected by mental illness.

Lefta shares her moving story of love and loss with her husband Frank, and the path to healing, including their experiences with the Australian healthcare system and the importance of community support. Biljana, a multicultural health officer, emphasizes the critical role of cancer screening and education within the Macedonian community.

This uplifting dialogue highlights the power of volunteering, the richness of cultural traditions, and the resilience needed to overcome life's challenges. Whether you're part of a multicultural community or seeking to understand diverse perspectives, this episode offers valuable insights into compassion and kindness in healthcare.

In this heartfelt episode, we delve into Mel's inspiring journey of resilience and advocacy following a shocking cancer diagnosis. With a Turkish background and a strong Islamic faith, Mel shares the importance of having spaces within healthcare facilities that allow Muslims to practice their religion and pray five times a day, highlighting its significance not only for patients but also for staff.

Mel offers an insightful look at her cancer journey, which began unexpectedly with a positive result from a routine screening test and led to surgery and chemotherapy. Throughout her treatment, she found solace and strength in her community and sisterhood support group, where women shared their experiences, engaged in health discussions, and fostered a positive environment.

With her characteristic cheerfulness and kind spirit, Mel emphasizes the importance of support from friends and family during challenging times. Her advocacy efforts include encouraging routine screening and open discussions about health within multicultural communities, making her story not only a personal triumph but a beacon of hope and guidance for others.

Join us for an insightful episode as we delve into the daily workings of surgical day centres and operating theatres, exploring how multidisciplinary teams provide care that is not only safe but also compassionate. Listen to Nicole, a clinical nurse specialist with over 23 years of experience, share her role in the operating theatre, how she mentors and educates staff, and the intricate planning required for successful surgeries.

Nicole's passion for nursing and her career journey are inspiring, shedding light on the importance of communication, teamwork, and kindness in healthcare. Discover the challenges faced in surgical settings, the impact of cancellations on patients, and the strategies employed to manage emergencies and elective surgeries.

Dive into the human experience of healthcare with stories of warmth, empathy, and little acts of kindness that make patients feel safe during vulnerable times. This episode also touches on wellbeing, as Nicole shares how she maintains her wellness amidst the demanding nature of her role. A conversation that is both heartwarming and informative, aiming to connect us more deeply with the kindness and complexity of healthcare.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Adam, a dedicated nurse working in an emergency department at a large regional hospital. Listen as Adam shares his journey into nursing, exploring the reasons behind his passion for the profession and the crucial role of communication and teamwork in providing care.

Discover the unique challenges and the rewarding experiences of working in critical care, and how kindness and compassion towards both patients and colleagues are essential for navigating the demanding emergency setting. Adam also opens up about how he maintains his well-being amidst the pressures of shift work, highlighting the importance of self-care to sustain his ability to care for others.

This episode provides a deep dive into the often challenging yet fulfilling world of emergency healthcare, aiming to foster understanding and empathy for the healthcare workers who support us during our most vulnerable moments. Tune in to gain insights into this vital aspect of healthcare and the power of kindness in emergency situations.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Susan, the Secretary of NSW Health, as she opens up about her journey from a nurse in Outback New South Wales to leading a healthcare system with over 180,000 staff and a $35 billion budget. Susan shares her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of support and teamwork in challenging times.

Discover Susan's passion for kindness in healthcare, highlighted by her co-founding of the Small Acts of Kindness movement. She recounts a personal story of how a small act of kindness from a nurse during her open-heart surgery at 32 left a lasting impact on her life.

Through her leadership, Susan advocates for a culture where healthcare staff feel valued and supported, believing that kindness within the workplace naturally extends to patient care. Tune in to learn how Susan balances her responsibilities and her commitment to fostering a compassionate healthcare environment.

Join us for a special panel discussion celebrating the launch of The Kind Side. Podcast co-creators, healthcare worker Frances and consumer Stacey, ask consumer Ross, ISLHD Chief Executive Margot, ISLHD A/Director of Nursing & Midwifery Dan, and ISLHD Staff Specialist Emergency Medicine Dr. Bishan why kindness in health is important.

Ross, a long-time patient, shares his experiences of kindness in the NSW Health system and the positive changes he has observed over the years. Margot discusses the vital role of leadership in nurturing a compassionate healthcare environment. Dan offers practical examples of everyday kindness, while Dr. Bishan highlights the impact of teamwork and compassion in high-pressure settings.

Discover why kindness is crucial in healthcare and explore how each of us can contribute to a more empathetic and understanding community. Reflect on your own interactions and consider committing to a small act of kindness that can make a significant difference.

For more information, visit the NSW Health website and check out the Elevating the Human Experience Guide to Action. Remember, kindness is free, and it has the power to transform lives.