Wellbeing day at Bronglais General Hospital to say thank you to staff

05 August 2022

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s (UHB) appointed Wellbeing Champions in Ceredigion organised a Wellbeing Day at Bronglais General Hospital, Aberystwyth last month as a thank you for all the hard work undertaken by staff.

Catherine Ruff, Workforce Advisor, and Carly Butler, Workforce Team Secretary, organised the event which offered staff the opportunity to have a break from their busy day.

Steve Morgan, Deputy Director of Workforce & Organisational Development said: “I am delighted that events like this are being held to help emphasise the importance and the benefits of wellbeing within the workplace, whether that’s a physical space for staff to take a break and have a chat or a planned walk in the fresh air. The aim is for staff to feel better in the workplace which in turn offers an improved experience for patients. Hopefully more events like this will be arranged in due course. My sincere thanks to Cath and Carly for their excellent contribution in making this happen.”

Activities on offer on the day were refreshment and an opportunity to talk, taking in the nature and beautiful views around the area with a 10-minute walk, enjoying a free shoulder massage and learning about great opportunities, including walking buddies, telephone befrienders, and local groups such as photography, bird watching, rambling, sporting events, conservation, and lots more.

Managers were particularly encouraged to attend this event as they juggle supporting their staff, the needs of the service and patient care, and their teams often look to them for guidance, signposting, and as someone the team can confide in.

Carly Butler, organiser of the Wellbeing Day and workforce team secretary said: “Our colleagues in Ceredigion welcomed this opportunity to reflect on their own well-being and to learn and use the support and activities that are available for them to access within the health board and also out in the community.”

“We are so grateful for the support from many local businesses in Ceredigion, including Morrisons, Aberystwyth, who donated free snacks and cold drinks on the day, and other kind offers of discounts from Aber Sports, Aber Dads, Citizens Advice and more. The event also bought together services from within the health board, such as the Library Service, Drug and Alcohol team, Workforce and OD, including the Staff Benefits team, Staff Psychological Wellbeing Service and Occupational Health, Smoking Cessation, Spiritual support, Physiotherapy, Green Health, Mental Health Services and Food Services Department.”

A good day at work was had by all and the team look forward to future events like this to continue to support the wellbeing of colleagues across the health board.