Two new staff wellness suites at Crosshouse and Ayr hospitals have been opened to support NHS Ayrshire & Arran staff through the COVID-19 crisis.

The suites will give all staff including administrative and domestic workers a space to recuperate and relax away from clinical settings.

Dr Julie Gordon, NHS Ayrshire & Arran Wellbeing Champion, said: “We know that professionally and personally this is an extremely challenging time for many of our staff. That is why we have created a safe space for people to access, no matter what area of the health service they work in.

“Staff can access a variety of things, such as mindfulness activities, yoga, a warm meal if they are unable to get home or an area to rest. Staff can also speak with a psychologist to discuss their wellbeing.

“Clinical staff can access medical peer support.”

The aim of the initiative is to help mitigate the emotional, physical and personal challenges many are facing during this time.

The sites are open 24/7 and offer a clinical psychology service, medical peer support, chaplaincy and staff care sanctuaries.

Medical Director Dr Crawford McGuffie said: “Across the whole health and care system, the work that all colleagues have been doing has been truly inspiring.

“The staff wellbeing suites are a fantastic example of people coming together, bringing different skills and assistance to those who will really benefit from them.

“They are being well used and are having a very positive effect on staff morale and wellbeing. I’d like to give huge thanks to the many individuals who have contributed to this work.”

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