Published on 9 November 2021

KINDNESS WEEK

To acknowledge the important role that kindness plays in our workplace and the incredible efforts of our staff at Western Health this year, we’ve planned a range of activities this week leading up to World Kindness Day on Saturday.

World Kindness Day is a global day that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world. The purpose of this day, celebrated on November 13 of each year, is to help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together.

In collaboration with Lort Smith Animal Hospital and our volunteers, pet therapy dogs are visiting staff across our sites this week, and the popular lunchtime laughs sessions continue with Ethiopian-Australian Comedian Joe White on Friday.

Across our sites today, there are a number of pop up stalls planned with some little treats for staff. Whether it’s a coffee or a cookie, we hope you can take a moment to enjoy this small gesture of appreciation for all that you do.

Check out the program of activities on Westerly.

PAY IT FORWARD

You may also like to consider paying it forward by passing on a voucher to a colleague. Rather than missing out, research shows that when you do something good for someone else, your brain releases serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin – all the “feel-good” chemicals. You’ll get a rush of endorphins as the reward centre of your brain is kick started, making you feel happier. And, of course, your colleague will feel extra appreciated. Win-win!

They say kindness is contagious, and while hospitals generally proceed with extreme caution around anything infectious, this is the kind of infectious behaviour we encourage! It’s the people that make Western Health so special, so let’s continue to share our helpful, kind and compassionate ways with our families, friends and communities. Studies have found that showing kindness to others can reduce stress and increase your self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. Some people even report feeling a stronger sense of meaning and purpose after acting out of compassion. After the last two extraordinary years, these may be benefits you’re keen to reap.

SUPPPORT AND KINDNESS FROM OUR COMMUNITY

We’ve been extremely fortunate over the course of the pandemic to be shown great kindness from many organisations, community groups, schools and individuals wanting to support staff and the work we do.

Last Thursday night, our friends at Foodbank brought their coffee van to Footscray Hospital and passed out notes of thanks. Staff enjoyed a hot drink and were very touched by the handwritten notes. Despite the chilly weather, there were many smiles behind the masks of appreciative staff.

Foodbank commented on social media: “Last year the doctors and nurses at Western Health chose to forfeit their Christmas lunch and provide the funds to Foodbank Victoria. So we thought it was time to pay it back. When asked recently on social media what nurses and doctors wanted right now, in addition to people getting vaccinated to make their job easier, the next most common thing was coffee! So we brought them coffee, and thank you notes from our Foodbank staff. We want to thank all healthcare workers who have and continue to do such an incredible job. 💜💜💜”

POSITIVE WORKPLACE WEEK

Our recent positive workplace week program saw many staff come together in a COVID-safe way to celebrate our efforts and continue to make Western Health a positive workplace. Alongside a wellbeing webinar and pop up stalls where leaders thanked staff and gave away some goodies, we once again were on the receiving end of some kind gestures from the community. Bunnings in Altona provided handwritten messages of thanks from their staff to accompany a Spring Seed giveaway held at both Sunshine and Footscray. As you’ll see from the post about the week here, staff loved selecting something for their gardens.

ONLINE HEALTHCARE EVENT

If you’re keen to explore further the positive impact that kindness can have in healthcare, take a look at The Gathering of Kindness, an online health care event running from 8-13 November. It aims to build, nurture and instil a culture of kindness throughout the healthcare system. To check out some of the guest speakers, access free resources or register for the online sessions, visit https://www.gatheringofkindness.org/2021.

A big thank you to each of you for contributing to make Western Health the kind and positive place it is. Happy kindness week.

Kind regards,

Suellen Bruce

On behalf of the Executive Team