We highly value the wellbeing of our staff at Darent Valley Hospital and take pride in the support and services we offer. These include support for mental health, physical health, finance and relationships. The full extent of support available can be found via the Trust’s Adagio platform, a few examples include:
Complementary therapies and meditation
Although a few complementary therapies have been suspended due to covid, reflexology sessions are still available to staff free of charge. These can be booked via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Meditation sessions are also available and take place on Thursdays between 12pm-12.30pm, if you are interested in attending please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Time to Talk
The Time to Talk team consist of staff volunteers who are available for a conversation if you need someone to talk to. This can be either face-to-face, via phone or on MS Teams and will be treated in confidence, to signpost you to specialist support should you need it. To contact the team, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
In addition to this, private consultations are also available with counsellors and clinical psychologists, offering CBT throughout the week.
Care First
Trust staff have access to a new Employee Assistance Programme provided by Care first, enabling staff to access a confidential 24 hour Counselling helpline, as well as up to 6 sessions of face to face or telephone counselling. To get in contact, call 0800 174 319.
Wellbeing Space
The marquee by the Children’s Resource Centre is available to use as a wellbeing space. With new outdoor furniture to enjoy the summer months, the marquee offers a lovely environment for staff to relax.
Staff Gym
The staff gym is situated in the Physiotherapy department on the ground floor and is open for staff to use. For £10 a month, personal training and guidance is also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 5-7pm. For more information, please email Dan Hayes via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Walking Club and Guinness the dog
The DGT walking club restarted on 21st April and promotes a healthy working day by ensuring you get some time away from your desk. The first walk is for the early risers or those ending their night shifts, meeting at the main entrance at 7.30am. There is also a lunchtime walk at noon, joined by our wellbeing dog Guinness once a month. Staff are also able to volunteer to walk Guiness during the week!
Staff food bank
The Wellbeing Team will be setting up a staff grocery bank to support any staff who find themselves in need. Whilst we are all employed, we are aware some staff may now find themselves in difficult circumstances due to Covid changing household income.
Staff wishing to donate non-perishable items or items with a long shelf life, please drop them off to Jade 1. Once there are enough donations, the team will advise how staff how to request support. Any questions please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. directly and in confidence.
Burnout
A recent survey carried out by the BMA found that the mental health of doctors has been seriously affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Results highlighted that 44% of doctors say they suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, burnout or other mental health conditions relating to or made worse by their work.
Suggested guidance on sleep deprivation and fatigue can be found via:
bma_fatigue-sleep-deprivation-briefing-jan2017.pdf
bma_fatiguesl-sleep_deprivation_guidance_oct_2019.pdf
BMA
The BMA website has lots of information regarding wellbeing offerings and counselling services available. Please click the link to access the website: Your wellbeing (bma.org.uk) - please see below for summary of services they offer:
Telephone: 01322 428311
Mobile: 07830 319517
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Leslieann Osborn, Director of Wellbeing and Community Engagement - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.