The Staff Haven located at the Lakeside Wing at the University Hospital of Wales opened back in February 2021, and has been improving staff morale and wellbeing ever since. Thanks to funding from Gareth and Emma Bale, Cardiff & Vale Health Charity and the Employee Health and Wellbeing Service worked to create a peaceful space for the staff to unwind, and provided the use of a range of facilities that aim to improve their emotional and mental wellbeing.
The Staff Haven concept stems from the idea that Health Board staff should have somewhere to take time out and access an environment to rest and reflect to protect their emotional and mental health wellbeing. People choose to do this in different ways and therefore the area is designed to be multi-functional.
The Staff Haven has a break-out kitchen area to make a soothing hot drink, tables and chairs to sit and reflect, shower facilities to wash away the day and it is a mobile-free zone to give busy minds chance to unwind, even if only for a short while. The quiet area encourages staff to sit without any stimulation and relax.
Beautiful artwork adorns the walls, helping to spread positivity and grounding. It is hoped that bringing the outdoors indoors by using natural colours and plants alongside motivational and inspirational art, will help create a zen-like area.
Simone Joslyn, the Head of Cardiff & Vale Charity and Arts said:
“The Health Charity was delighted to support staff through the provision of a Staff Haven. It is so important, especially now during the pandemic, that staff can take some time out of their busy working day, in a calming space to build resilience and reflect upon their day to aid in the recovery of emotional health and wellbeing.
“I’d like to thank Grosvenor Interiors for their involvement in this project, bringing to life the vision of art and wellbeing working together to the benefit of our much-valued NHS staff.”
Nicky Bevan, the Head of Employee Health and Wellbeing Service said:
“Being able to rest and recuperate is essential to sustain our wellbeing during these extremely difficult times. The aim of the Haven is to give staff an opportunity to be able to decompress away from the clinical or office environment and to have a space to invest in some self-care.The beautiful artwork on the walls and calming effect this has on the environment has made a huge difference to the overall wellbeing of our staff.”
Incredibly positive feedback has also been gathered from staff who continue to use the Staff Haven on a daily basis, noting the positive impact the space has on their daily lives:
Jamie Rowlands, a nurse who was previously based in University Hospital Llandough and used the staff room on his ward for breaks. He now works in Lakeside Wing and cares for patients who require rehabilitation to return home.
Jamie said: “The staff haven is a great light and airy space, with plenty of seating. It’s modern, clean and new. The environment makes me feel relaxed, it gives me a nice space to get away from the ward, to regroup and take some time out. The space prepares me to take on the next challenge.”
Chloe Westall, a student nurse currently working at the Lakeside Wing in UHW was previously based at University Hospital Llandough, where she used a break room on her ward which only had space for three people at a time.
Chloe said: “The staff haven is a lovely place to sit and have a break. It’s very relaxing and calming. It’s got everything that I need to take a break from a busy shift. I take every break there, unless it’s sunny and then I’ll sit outside to get some fresh air. It’s so nice to have such a lovely environment to unwind in.”
Morgan Kneath is a Physiotherapist based in Lakeside Wing who helps rehabilitate patients ready to return home.
Morgan said: “I really enjoy spending time in the Staff Haven. I love the artwork on the walls, I love the furnishings – I always head for the recliner chairs, they are my favourite. The colour scheme is really calming and restful. I really appreciate the space, it’s such a large area compared to the small staff rooms on the ward and it’s so close to where I work.”
Sonia Harvey is a Health Care Support Worker who delivers care to patients on Lakeside Wing.
Sonia said: “As I’m based in Lakeside Wing, myself and my colleagues watched the Staff Haven being built. We couldn’t believe the transformation of the area. It’s a fab space which gives an opportunity to spend time away from the ward environment which is often very busy. When you’re in the Staff Haven you could be a million miles away from the ward as it’s such a relaxing space.”
You can read more about the Staff Haven at Lakeside Wing here.