“What matters to you?” day is on 6 June and you may have seen information about it around the place. We are encouraged to think about what matters to us and to have conversations with individual service users, their families and our colleagues about what matters to them, so we can use that information to improve the care and support we give to individuals and their families and promote a healthy working environment.
I thought it would be an idea to focus this blog on people who work in our health and care system and asked them to share what matters to them in and out of work and to share a few photos if they wish. I am grateful to those people who have shared what matters to them. Thank you, this blog is yours:
Emma Jackson, physiotherapist at Newton Stewart Hospital
In work
- Up to date handovers and good communication between staff
- Being able to build trusting relationships with patients by using appreciative inquiry, and having the time to get to know them as a person
Out of work
- Being able to spend quality time with my family, friends and pets
- Having personal goals to work towards
- Being able to get outside as often as possible – walking in long grass with my dogs is my fix
Morag McMinn, support services assistant
In work
- To come into work and not get hassle.
- That staff get things right, especially the care and the care of people with dementia
Out of work
- My two granddaughters
Gerry McDermott, support services manager
In work
- My staff feel respected and part of the whole network of the NHS
Out of work
- My kids and the football (Celtic FC)
- The kids are growing up fast and I want them to fulfil their dreams
- CFC has fulfilled its dreams this year!
Kay Shepherd, support services supervisor
In work
- Staff are happy and get on well, there is mutual respect
- Staff trust me to come and speak to me
Out of work
- My four kids – my weans
Liz Jardine, support services assistant
In work
- It’s all about the patients; I enjoy talking to them and being part of the team
- Being able to go to the supervisors and talk to them
- Being happy in work
Out of work
- My two sons and spending time with my husband as well as my wider family.
- Supporting our sons to achieve in life
Lynsey Wharram, support services assistant
In work
- Being involved with the patients, additional responsibility is a privilege, such as taking people on their last journey to the mortuary
- Being part of the team, uniform colours don’t matter
Out of work
- My wee brother (Murrey) and people now recognising disability more
- Proper training for people about disability and dementia
Helen McCaig, support services assistant
In work
- To come to work and being happy working
- Being part of making patients feel their privacy is respected
Out of work
- My husband and son – we are really proud of our son who is now doing his Masters at
- Cambridge University
- My cat, Salem
- Helping my father who has dementia
Jeannie Gallacher and Stephanie Phillips
In work
- As staff working within a new project in Primary Care Mental Health Liaison, it matters to us that patients feel they can have quick access to appropriate mental health treatment. It matters to us that we forge good working relationships with our colleagues and that the service we provide is supportive and effective.
Out of work
- Jeanie – I feel it is important to have lots of quality time with my family and it matters to me that we try to get away for family days out and holidays!
- Stephanie – It’s important to me in my home life that my family are healthy. I enjoy walking my dog every day and this matters to me.
Pictured: Jeanie Gallacher and Stephanie Phillips, Primary Care Mental Health Liaison, Stewartry. Norma Cunningham, Community Mental Health Team Support Worker, Stewartry
Norma Cunningham
In work
- Firstly what matters to me is that I provide a good service to our patients.
- It also matters to me that staff feel valued and encouraged to reflect and develop, and that staff receive positive feedback when there have good outcomes for patients.
Out of work
- I have learned that it is not what you have in life but who you have in your life. My life is richer for having a family to love, grand children to cherish, friends you can rely on and pampered pets.
Grecy Bell, GP and Deputy Medical Director in Primary Care
In work
- Team work, having a shared understanding of each other’s role and common goals
Out of work
- Having time to enjoy shared memories with family and friends
Linda Williamson, General Manager in Women Children and Sexual Health
Linda has a pictorial creation, representing her in work and out of work “what matters to me”
Then there’s me:
Alice Wilson, Deputy Nurse Director
In work
- Being able to see the impact of my work on individuals and teams
- Knowing that what I do makes a positive difference to the people we care for and their families
- Being proud of my profession
Out of work
- Spending time with my family and friends and living in a lovely place which feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of work. I’m part of a big family and a small community – ideal
- Knowing (through whatever means necessary!) that someone will make sure I have nice shoes even when I am no longer able to walk in them!
Pictured: the view I see every day from the front of my house…it is amazing even at the close of the day – the bike is just there to fool you into thinking that’s the only mode of transport I use!
On 6th June and every other day, take a minute to think about what matters to you and ask yourself if you know what matters to your colleagues and those people you care for and support; if not, why not ask them?
~ Alice Wilson, Deputy Nurse Director at NHS Dumfries & Galloway, and others!