Sharing stories of patients they’ll never forget
Aug 04, 2023The Schwartz Rounds Leadership Group held its latest Schwartz Round, hosted by Kempsey District Hospital on 27 July 2023.
The theme was ‘The patient I’ll never forget’ and the panel consisted of Registered Nurse, Joanne Hensler, Senior Medical Officer, Dr Dean Letchford, Nurse Manager HMN, Tania Arnott and Director, Mental Health Services, Penny Jones.
Each panellist shared a story about a patient they will never forget, who had an impact on them either personally, professionally or both and told how the experience in some ways shaped who they are today.
The stories varied but all shared a common theme of empathy, compassion, strength and care for the patient during difficult situations.
At the end of the Round, the panellists were presented with a Certificate of Acknowledgement in recognition of the important part they played in making the Round a success.
Schwartz Rounds are a type of structured group forum where clinical and non-clinical employees meet regularly to discuss the emotional and social aspects of working in healthcare.
Schwartz Rounds provide an opportunity to take ‘time out’ to reflect on work in a safe, collegial and compassionate space.
Unlike other initiatives such as group reflective practice or clinical supervision, the purpose is not to solve problems or to focus on the clinical aspects of patient care.
Schwartz Rounds are inclusive of all employees.
If you are interested in being a future panellist, please send your expression of interest to MNCLHD-HealthSafetyWellbeing@health.nsw.gov.au. The opportunity to be a panellist is open to all Health Care Workers, including clinical, non-clinical and corporate team members.