Coronavirus: GWH sets up 'wobble rooms' as it prioritises staff wellbeing

Hospitals across the UK have established the pop-up wellbeing rooms, where staff can go to take some time out before, during or after stressful shifts.

Now, GWH has set up the wobble rooms on the main hospital site and at the NHS trust’s community services hub at the Orbital Centre.

Pictures of one room shared to Twitter showed drink cans, tea, coffee and biscuits stacked on a table under a sign that described the room’s purpose as being “a quiet space for you to share worries, verbalise emotion, have a little cry or just sit quietly”.

Today we set up “wobble rooms” around GWH and the Orbital, these rooms are a space for you to take time out, have a quiet moment or even a little cry when things are difficult. We’re here to support you, remember it’s okay to not be okay @GWH_NHS @apollittt @swebbity pic.twitter.com/PrEQgKJad4

— Sam Walklett (@Dolomitidiva) April 6, 2020

Last week, GWH chief executive Kevin McNamara said staff wellbeing was at the forefront of his mind as the hospital geared up to fight the virus.

“I absolutely understand it is a stressful time. My message to staff is it’s okay not to be okay in these situations.”

He added: “Staff are having their commitment to the NHS tested like never before.”