Heartbeat: Three Squares Club for wellbeing and peer support

July 31, 2020

Working long days during this pandemic has become something of the norm for many colleagues. That’s why our organisation has found lots of new and innovative ways to ensure wellbeing is at the top of our agenda. As well as this, across the Trust teams are developing ways to relax, recharge and reflect.

One such area that has embraced staff wellbeing on the frontline is among our junior doctors, reflected in an initiative called the ‘Three Squares Club.’ It encourages regular opportunities for refreshment, peer support and informal debriefing. We caught up with Dr Vikranth Venugopalan, Consultant Neonatologist, who explained the part he has played as one of the facilitators in this initiative.

He said: “We recognise the stresses and strains COVID-19 places on us as medical staff. That’s why it’s important to ensure our wellbeing is something we take care of both individually and collectively as a team. Three times a week at both City and Sandwell hospitals, we facilitated sessions for junior doctors where we talked openly about different subjects, such as the emotional impact of shifts. As the pressures of the pandemic have changed, the frequency of sessions has been reduced to once a week. We now meet on Wellbeing Wednesdays.”

He added: “In these sessions, I emphasise the importance of wellbeing both inside and outside of work. It comes in many forms and is not limited to sessions like the ones I hold. I talk about healthy eating, getting adequate rest, and I signpost colleagues to resources available via the Trust. This includes things such as the free yoga classes we can take advantage of.”

Dr Michael Blaber, Specialty Doctor in Palliative Medicine, is taking the lead in championing wellbeing among junior doctors. He has appreciated the response from a wide team of colleagues contributing to the wellbeing of others through initiatives such as the ‘Three Squares Club.’ He remarked: “The pandemic has been a difficult time to work through, but it has also led to an enhanced sense of togetherness.

We’ve had more experienced clinicians support junior doctors in engaging with the ordinary human needs that we all share in common, particularly at times of heightened pressure.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all who have made such a valuable contribution to the peer support sessions. It is a joy to work with so many colleagues right across the Trust committed to making SWB an excellent place to work for all staff groups.”