Glasgow nurses create wellbeing space in memory of colleague

Kitty's Kave was created by the General Outpatients and Urology nurses at Stobhill Hospital in memory of former colleague Helen Fleming, offering a quiet, reflective space for all staff to use. 

Helen played a significant role in promoting staff wellbeing by offering a range of relaxation sessions within one of the clinics during staff lunch breaks. 

Sadly, Helen lost her battle with cancer in 2022 and nurses decided to create the space in memory of her positive impact on the team. 

Lorna Halliday, senior charge nurse, said: "This wellbeing space has been great for staff and also a wonderful way to remember our colleague Helen who was always present, offering her friendship, laughter and calming voice to de-stress the Outpatient staff.

"The feedback has been great since its creation and we strive to ensure that staff members have the relaxing spaces needed during breaks in their shifts.

"I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the wellbeing area and made it a great success."

As part of the team building process within the department, charge nurse Tracy Blair completed a leadership programme to look at ways to improve wellbeing and developed a concept called STEAMING ahead which stands for Stobhill Together - Everyone Achieves More In New Goals. 

She added: "Since the creation of Kitty’s Cave, we have helped a number of staff in different ways such as hosting a coffee morning to promote Scottish Association for Mental Health's Time to Talk Day.

"We asked the staff to complete a speech bubble to add to our pledge wall stating what can I do to change the way I think and act about mental health in my work.

"The pledge wall remains within Clinic G as a visual reminder of our pledges to create a Team that is mindful of others."