SafeSpace.

In this episode, Mariam and Melany delve into a thought-provoking conversation inspired by an interview with Dr. Ian Happs, a retired GP from near Wrexham. They explore the evolving role of GPs from family physicians deeply embedded in their communities to primary care providers navigating a more mobile and diverse patient population. The discussion highlights the emotional toll of healthcare work, the importance of maintaining compassion, and the challenges of building lasting patient relationships in a fast-paced environment. Mariam and Melany reflect on the nostalgia, the impact of technology on patient interactions, and the complexities of balancing time constraints with the need for meaningful connections in healthcare.   KEY TAKEAWAYS There is a strong sense of nostalgia for the traditional family physician role, where GPs had long-standing relationships with their patients, fostering a deep sense of community and continuity of care. The emotional toll of healthcare work can be significant, as healthcare professionals often carry the grief and pain of their patients, which can affect their well-being and ability to maintain compassion over time. The shift towards a primary care provider model has led to a more transactional relationship between doctors and patients, with time constraints and technology often hindering the quality of interactions and the building of rapport. Healthcare professionals may experience compassion fatigue, where prolonged exposure to the suffering of others leads to emotional burnout and a diminished capacity to empathize, highlighting the importance of self-care and support. In clinical psychology, the quality of the therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective treatment, and the common six-session model may not be sufficient for many patients, as building trust and rapport often requires more time.   BEST MOMENTS "GPs had to stay within a five-mile radius of the community that they were looking after. So that's where I remained. I was an integral part of it." "I do crave that time for when you knew the grandmother, you knew the mother, and you know the child, because you've lived with them." "It's important to talk about it, it's important to communicate, share with colleagues... about how it's affecting you, sharing half the burden." "When you're part of the fabric of the community that you're serving, these things are going to have an impact, and they're going to have an impact for a long time." "I wish that maybe there was an understanding from patients that their stories affect us and that we do care."   HOST BIO Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time.  Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective. If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.   PODCAST DESCRIPTION SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:   - Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers   - Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc   - Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.   This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.    

In this episode, Mariam engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Ian Happs, a seasoned GP with a remarkable 30-year career. Dr. Happs shares his journey into medicine, highlighting his passion for patient interaction and the evolution of primary care over the decades. He reflects on the changing responsibilities of GPs, the impact of societal mobility on patient relationships, and the importance of curiosity and holistic care in medical practice. The discussion also delves into Dr. Happs's contributions to global health initiatives, particularly in Lesotho, and his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.   KEY TAKEAWAYS A passion for working with people and a desire to help others led to a career in medicine, with a specific focus on general practice due to the appeal of being a generalist and maintaining patient contact across various conditions. Over the years, primary care has evolved significantly, with GPs now having less direct responsibility for out-of-hours care and a shift towards more specialized roles within healthcare, which has impacted the continuity of care and the personal relationships between GPs and patients. In training future GPs, fostering curiosity and good listening skills is essential. This approach encourages doctors to engage deeply with their patients and avoid making assumptions based on past interactions. A strong belief in a global community drives involvement in global health initiatives, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse healthcare practices and learning from international colleagues, particularly in resource-limited settings. Working in general practice can be emotionally taxing due to the intimate nature of patient relationships and the shared experiences of pain and loss. Healthcare professionals must find ways to cope with these emotional challenges to maintain their well-being.   BEST MOMENTS "I think my favourite word talking to trainees is a curiosity because I think we need, as doctors, as GPs particularly, you need to be interested in your patients and you need to be curious." "I think there are, not necessarily inappropriately, but there are roles that have been taken off the GP by other primary care people and that's changed the role." "I think fundamentally I believe very strongly and passionately in a global community. I think the world is a small, fragile and increasingly interconnected place." "So I feel like there's been a shift from that family physician type role to more of a local GP role of moving as and when it suits the career of the doctor." "I think general practice is a huge privilege... people let you into the most important, meaningful, sometimes the happiest, but also the most painful times of their lives."   HOST BIO Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time.  Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective. If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.   PODCAST DESCRIPTION SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:   - Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers   - Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc   - Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.   This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

In this episode, Melany guides listeners through the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, a simple yet effective exercise designed to help individuals become present and manage stress, especially during busy shifts or transitions between work and home. The technique involves a series of sensory observations: identifying five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Melany encourages listeners to engage deeply with their surroundings, describing each sensory experience in detail to foster mindfulness and relaxation.   KEY TAKEAWAYS This exercise is designed to help individuals become present and can be used during busy shifts or as a transition between work and home. The technique involves identifying and describing five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. When identifying items, it's important to describe them in detail, considering aspects like color, size, movement, and texture to enhance mindfulness. Participants are encouraged to close their eyes or gently fix their gaze downwards when identifying feelings, which can help in focusing on the sensations. The exercise allows for variations, such as imagining tastes or acknowledging the absence of certain smells or tastes, making it adaptable to different environments and situations.   BEST MOMENTS "This is a great short exercise that you can easily pick up in the middle of a busy shift if you need a quick pause." "For each thing, describe them in detail. Pay close attention. What color are they? Are they big or small?" "Just try and identify and describe to yourself three things that you can hear." "Take a moment to notice two things you can smell right now. Could be a smell of the room or the aroma of food wafting from nearby." "Identify one thing you can taste. It might be gum that you're chewing, or the flavor of food and drink you had earlier."   HOST BIO Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time.  Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective. If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.   PODCAST DESCRIPTION SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:   - Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers   - Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc   - Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.   This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.  

In the episode hosts Mariam and Melany McKenna engage in a heartfelt discussion reflecting on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by an interview with Dr. Harsha Reddy. They explore themes of resilience, compassion, and the emotional toll faced by healthcare professionals in the NHS. The conversation highlights Dr. Reddy's authentic approach to addressing complaints and fostering change, as well as the importance of empathy in the healthcare environment. Mariam and Melany share their challenges during the pandemic, including the struggles of balancing work and family life while witnessing the hardships faced by patients and colleagues.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The discussion highlights the significance of compassion and empathy in the healthcare environment, emphasizing the need for professionals to respect and understand the experiences of others, regardless of their background or status. Both hosts reflect on the profound mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating how the trauma of witnessing suffering and loss has lasting effects on individuals in the profession. There is a concern that the appreciation for healthcare workers, which peaked during the pandemic with public applause, has diminished post-COVID, leading to feelings of frustration and neglect among staff who continue to work hard under challenging conditions. The conversation notes a positive shift in the healthcare culture regarding mental health awareness, with more openness and willingness to discuss emotional well-being among colleagues. Sharing personal stories and experiences is portrayed as a powerful tool for healing and connection, helping individuals feel less isolated in their struggles and fostering a sense of community among healthcare workers.   BEST MOMENTS "I appreciated that courage... his openness was so refreshing and I felt like we broke new uncharted territory." "He talked about the complaint... his ability to kind of shelve that instinctive response and be able to put himself in that other person's shoes." "We lost 500 years worth of nursing experience in the 12 months post-COVID." "It just feels like it potentially has been also quickly forgotten post-COVID." "A burden shared is a burden halved. If I was ever to get a quote tattooed, that would be it."   HOST BIO Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time.  Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective. If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.   PODCAST DESCRIPTION SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:   - Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers   - Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc   - Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.   This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

In this episode, Mariam engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Harsha Reddy, a consultant in intensive care medicine and a dedicated advocate for staff wellbeing in the healthcare sector. Dr. Reddy shares his journey into medicine, inspired by his father's legacy, and discusses the challenges and rewards of working in intensive care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode delves into the importance of resilience and mental health for healthcare professionals, highlighting initiatives like the Acute Intervention Team and wellbeing sessions that aim to support staff. Dr. Reddy reflects on the evolving culture within the NHS, the significance of allyship, and the need for a more compassionate workplace. With insights into the ongoing mental health crisis among healthcare workers.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The conversation highlights the increasing recognition of staff wellbeing as essential for the survival of the healthcare system, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. A strong sense of teamwork and understanding among colleagues is emphasized as crucial for maintaining morale and resilience in high-pressure environments like intensive care units. There is a strong advocacy for a culture of civility and respect in healthcare settings, with a focus on addressing bullying and fostering supportive relationships among staff. The discussion points to the significant mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers, including PTSD and burnout, and the necessity for structured support systems like Schwartz Rounds and wellbeing champions. The importance of allyship and recognizing privilege in the workplace is underscored, with a call to action for creating a more inclusive environment for all healthcare professionals, particularly for international medical graduates and women in medicine.   BEST MOMENTS "I think it's the challenge. I love the variety. No two days are the same. I meet some amazing people... being able to help them when they were at their most vulnerable, that's an absolute privilege." "During COVID, we made sure that there were doctors and nurses who were like COVID champions or wellbeing champions who would keep an eye out for staff who they thought might be struggling." "I was ashamed that I came to this rather late... COVID kind of lifted the lid on it." "I feel like this should be the baseline for all healthcare workers... these Time to Talk sessions would be so helpful to everyone if we could mold that time." "There's zero tolerance for rude behavior at work... manage it, and be civil."   HOST BIO Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time.  Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective. If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.   PODCAST DESCRIPTION SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:   - Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers   - Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc   - Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.   This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.    

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales with a passion for improving wellbeing for our healthcare colleagues. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular safespaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affects their wellbeing amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time.  Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective. If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.