The Sanctuary may be just what you need for your wellbeing

September 17, 2021

By Dr Michael Blaber, Wellbeing Lead for Junior Doctors

Sustaining wellbeing in healthcare is not a simple, quick fix. Resilience is more a function of systems and teams than a quality some individuals possess. There is strong evidence demonstrating that delivering excellent care requires professionals to feel cared for themselves.

This means being known, valued, connected to others, part of something bigger than yourself and equipped to deliver the high standards that we aspire to. So, how does ‘The Sanctuary’ fit into this?

As the name suggests, ‘the Sanctuary’ is designed to be a place of rest and refreshment, away from the pressures and demands of our everyday work. It intends to be a physical space that embodies the message “you matter.”

In healthcare we frequently go above and beyond the call of duty, sometimes doing extraordinary things. Yet, we are nonetheless ordinary human beings with ordinary human needs that cannot be ignored. We need food, drink, rest, encouragement, connection to others and safe places to process life in the NHS. The Sanctuary is one such provision and it has been greatly enjoyed by many of our colleagues from all disciplines and departments.

When I visited the Sanctuary at the Learning Works on Unett Street, I was struck by the warmth of the welcome and the calm of the atmosphere. Hot drinks always go down well with me and they are made available to all visitors.

The staff were exceptionally friendly, though not at all intrusive. Colleagues were enjoying guided mindfulness and music therapy, learning de-stress techniques and benefiting from skilled listening and clinical supervision. Whether I wanted to offer my ‘expert analysis’ of the football or discuss the difficult situation I had just encountered on the ward, there was freedom to simply unwind.

I opted for a shoulder massage (apparently my muscles really needed it!) and the opportunity to talk through experiences of the first half of this year – the highs and the lows.  It was enjoyable, relaxing and affirming. I have since recommended the service to many colleagues and will certainly be making return trips myself.

Perhaps a visit to the Sanctuary would do you good too? It’s not the panacea to work related pressures and stress – but it is a really important and highly valuable component of the Trust’s firm commitment to be a place in which its people can flourish. I highly recommend it to you.