Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong KW(1), Yuen SY(1), Pun KL(1), Chan LP(1), Chan WK(2), Cheung LM(3), Cheung Y(4), Fung HF(4), Jong CW(4), Leung KH(4), Li SW(5), Tam WL(6), Wong HCJ(7)
Affiliation :
(1)Nursing Services Division
(2)Department of Occupational Therapy
(3)Administrative Services Division
(4)Department of Medicine & Rehabilitation
(5)Department of Physiotherapy
(6)HCE’s office
(7)Department of Ophthalmology
Keyword 1: :
Critical Incident Support Team
Keyword 2: :
Staff Wellness
Keyword 3: :
Staff Engagement
Introduction :
Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (TWEH) Critical Incident Support Team (CIST) provides peer support to colleagues facing difficult times and crises and acts as mental health ambassador. CIST members are always ready to assist in a compassionate and enlightened way. Recognizing this commitment, CIST extends its mission and actively reaches out to enhance staff care and well-being, fostering a harmonious and supportive environment in TWEH.
Objectives :
-Enhance Staff Well-being and promote overall staff care and resilience
-Cultivate a harmonious and supportive atmosphere within TWEH
-Increase CIST’s visibility among colleagues, build rapport and ensure accessibility for assistance
Methodology :
CIST comprises representatives from various departments and ranks, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and administrative staff, to better understand needs and facilitate communication. An annual plan distributed a diverse range of activities evenly throughout the year, ensuring effective outreach to address varied needs. Collaborating with internal and external parties maximized resources and improved efficiency. Involvement from top management fostered a culture of harmony, support, belonging, trust, and camaraderie. Additionally, a team-building activity was organized to enhance collaboration and engagement among team members.
Result & Outcome :
To raise health awareness, a health station was established in staff areas, providing resources for self-monitoring and information on chronic disease screenings. In collaboration with various departments, Staff Welfare Committee, Patient Resource Center, and District Health Center, workshops on breast cancer, exercise, self-compassion, and mindfulness were organized to enhance the physical and psychological well-being of staff. Over 300 participated in health fun days, alongside events such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas caroling, and Chinese New Year Narcissus workshops aimed at introducing CIST services and demonstrating psychological support. Feedback from staff interviews was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for CIST's contributions.
Maintaining a healthy workforce in high-stress healthcare environments is crucial for both organizational effectiveness and patient care. By fostering a supportive culture through CIST initiatives, we strengthen the connections among staff, ensuring every member of TWEH feels valued and cared for.
