Heartbeat: Energy pods recharging clinical colleagues at City Hospital
September 19, 2019
Being tired, weary and worn out is a recipe for disaster and more so when the decisions you make can be the difference between life and death.
However thanks to the installation of some innovative energy pods, colleagues now have the opportunity to rest, relax and recharge in a calm and comfortable environment.
The energy pods, which can only be described as space age cocoons, are designed to support colleagues to take a 20 minute rest and recharge sessions where they can recline in comfort, surrounded by soothing lights and the option of calming music.
The innovative energy pods which are on loan as part of the three month trial were installed earlier this week at City Hospital have already proven popular with colleagues keen to gather their thoughts and recuperate during breaks and before they return home.
To find out more about the novel new pods, Heartbeat caught up with Dr Sarb Clare, Consultant in Acute Medicine and Deputy Medical Director to find out more.
She said, “Colleagues have for a long time balanced the need for rest with that of caring for their patients, more often than not putting the welfare of their patients before themselves. Time and time again, we learn of colleagues nationally who after a long shift, and a mind still focussed on their patients set out on their journey home and inevitably are injured in accidents.
These pods are a welcome solution to a long standing problem, colleagues can now find a quiet relaxing corner to gather their thoughts, rest and recuperate before they head home or return to work after their break.
“Research has proven that short periods of rest can help staff perform better and leading sleep scientists say a “power nap” of 10 to 20 minutes of rest during the workday can significantly improve alertness cognitive functioning.”
Dr Eoin Dore, CT1 has been leading on work to tackle ‘burn out’ in colleagues and welcomed the new pods, which are currently available in the acute medical unit and anaesthetics at City Hospital.
Sharing his thoughts, he said, ”We’ll be carrying out a tiredness survey amongst our colleagues and looking at welfare and burnout. We’re keen to ensure colleagues are well rested and able to tackle the challenges of their role and these pods go some way to providing that. Alongside the Energy pods, colleagues will find a renewed plan promoting self-care and rest protocols outlining how staff can take time away from their duties whilst ensuring that patients are kept safe. ”