Feature
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Learning from Lockdown Staff share what they have learned about themselves during the pandemic and what they’re resolving to do differently The coronavirus pandemic and the succession of lockdowns over the course of 2020-21 has caused many of us to take a long hard look at our lives and re-evaluate our values, goals, and how we spend our time. It’s caused us to ask questions about how we do things and what we can do differently to better enjoy the time we’re given. Here, colleagues share some of their insights and resolutions from the past year.
Lisa Beaumont, Play Team Leader “I learnt that I really need to get better at the worklife balance and have made some positive changes, but I find it hard especially with the children being at the heart of all we do at Leeds Children’s Hospital. I did try some mindfulness exercises but couldn’t get into this! I find it hard to switch off, but I have started to walk more with friends and I will ensure that this continues. “I have always felt very lucky to have some amazing family and friends in my life, after losing my brother in a road traffic accident many years ago. I have each and every day felt truly lucky to have the strength and support of all my good friends, many who I have been lucky to meet at some point along the many years of working at LTHT.”
Sophie Blow, Advanced Clinical Pharmacist “I work best when I have people around me - a bit tricky in a lockdown but I’ve learnt the importance of scheduling time with people to touch base, catch up and check in. It can be very easy when you’re not working directly with patients to find that you’re isolated from people, especially
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with people trying to work from home (where possible) you can find yourself working on a corridor with no-one else around. That’s why as part of planning my working time I try and ensure a mix of focused, alone working, group teams calls and one to one calls. It’s important to keep talking and feel connected. “My new habit is an old habit, but one I’ve got better at! I work at my best when both my mind and body are active. I’ve always run but through lockdown I’ve run more frequently. To avoid the crowds I’ve had to explore new routes as well as finding ways to run past the good spots for a take away coffee. I’ve also found it a way of connecting with my community, you smile at people as you run past, say thank you to people for giving you space. That’s been really great.”
Jo Reynard, nurse in charge, Elland Road Vaccination Centre “I have enjoyed the strong local community spirit that has risen during and post lockdown where I live in Bingley. With my background as an Infection Prevention Nurse, I set up a Coronavirus Resilience Group on Facebook and we have over 2,500 members now. It was a place to check in on people, to share community support and to post the right information about the virus and vaccines. There have been so few cases in the area. I really felt the closeness of my family at this time and with two parents working full time, it has taught my teenagers a great deal about the need to be more self-sufficient.”
Fatimah Bint-Hanif, vaccination administrator “I fostered stray cats and their kittens during the first lockdown with Henry’s Haven Cat Rescue, then I paused to focus on university though I’m still involved with the cat rescue now (doing admin jobs). I think lockdown helped me learn so much about compassion and I thrived on helping others. At one point we had seven cats in the house! I’m studying speech and language therapy and I think this work with animals (I also helped nurture some birds) has helped my communication skills. I felt like I’m giving a voice to the voiceless.”
Manik Chandra, Consultant Anaesthetist “The pandemic allowed me to rekindle my love of cricket! I went about reseeding my back garden, preparing a wicket and setting up a cricket net, which allowed me to practice along with my two sons who also love the game!”
