CHFT colleagues took to the hot seat to open their hearts and share their work experiences at our latest Schwartz Round.

The subject  for open discussion was: ‘Why I do the job I do’.

Prasadu, Director of Psychology Services, and Joanne Middleton, Associate Director of Nursing - Surgery, facilitated the Round whilst Karen Austin, Lead Nurse - Medicines Management, Karen Melling, Matron – Surgery and Anaesthetics, Keith Bryan, Domestic Assistant and Neeraj Bhasin, Consultant - Vascular Surgery all told their story as to why they do the job they do. 

The passion for their job was evident, it was clear they delivered compassionate care and all were extremely proud to work of the work they and their teams do.

The feedback received provided some powerful statements:-

‘Found it very emotional – from goose bumps in the beginning to nearly in tears by the last speaker.  Felt too emotional to speak up.   Made me remember all my amazing mentors along the way’

‘How lovely to add feeling and emotion in a safe environment.  Fluffy is good!  We are all human with individual paths and experiences.’

‘Excellent session – good opportunity to hear from different voices around the trust who I wouldn’t normally have come across.’

‘It focuses on such an important part of the job and it helps making you feel more proud about being part of the organisation.’

Our thanks are expressed to the Grand Rounds for welcoming the Schwartz team and to the panellists for their warm contributions.

Future Schwartz Rounds will be held on:-

** As a reminder, a Schwartz Round is named after Ken Schwartz, an American lawyer who left a legacy to be used for the benefit of people who work in the caring professions.  A Schwartz Round is an hour of protected time and space for colleagues to share stories and reflect on their work.  Lunch is provided and they are open to anyone.  Further information is available on the Trust’s intranet site or you can read more here.

If you would like to share your story please email Schwartz@cht.nhs.uk in the first instance.'