Debrief volunteers helped patients have their voice at a critical time
24th November 2020
Submitted by Mary Delor, Camden and Islington NHS Trust
The volunteer debrief team contributed enormously in Webex/Zoom weekly meetings that were held to find new ways of restarting the volunteer debrief intervention after the peak of the Covid19 crisis. Covid led to a change in the way the services were operating, for instance social distancing and following PPE protocol to mitigate risk of spreading the virus. The team worked collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical staff, sharing ideas that led to a written proposal to be submitted and finally approved to restart the volunteer debrief intervention on acute wards.
Debrief also allows patients to have their voice heard at a time when they may feel no one is listening. Talking to people who are offering help and support, who are not paid to be there, fosters hope and reduces the stigma they experience.
The volunteer debrief team’s interest and ability to re-engage in the work to recognise the value of the debrief intervention to the patients, staff and the trust in general was demonstrated through flexibility, enthusiasm, hard work, creativity, resilience and commitment. This contributed significantly to the collaborative work that led to putting in place different ways of working and minimise risks
The volunteer debrief team went the extra mile, to make blocks of time during the week to offer several and or repeated debriefs to restraints on acute wards rather than following a one-off appointment debrief offer. This is an extraordinary effort which we admire and value in our service.
This kind of service in our trust is very emotive and at times unpredictable, therefore working as a team with dedication proves to be helpful. The team was ready and reliable to complete PPE training before the actual restart, continued to attend and contribute to virtual meetings whilst operating on both sites: Highgate Mental Health Centre and St Pancras Hospital. The team also offered to deliver essential items between the two sites.
The team communicated at all stages to ensure team and collaborative working. Bravo!
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