"Chin Up." Pharmacy Department, Torbay Hospital
This is one of series of co-created drawings that has been developed through continuing discussions and shadowing of staff at Torbay hospital to explore experiences of burn out and response to the word ‘wellbeing’. Staff are encouraged to talk about and visualise meaning and metaphor in their work and environment.
This work was produced as part of a residency with Torbay and South Devon Healthcare Trust 2022 -2025, funded by NHS Charities Together and will be part of a permanent exhibition in the historic boardroom at Torbay Hospital.
Pharmacy Stores Assistant
How does the drawing align with your thoughts about working in the NHS? The two drawings that you have done of me - the first one ( Chin Up) reminds me of the days that seem to never end and that are challenging, when the deliveries are never ending and the pallets of boxes never seem to end. These are the days when I just grin and bear it. The second picture (Running on empty) reminds me of each department or even different section of a department. The bowl upon my head is like my part of the hospital world and that I don’t really know how my work aids or effects the rest. Sometimes it feels that the left hand isn’t talking to the right hand and so the work takes longer to do. The bowl is my part of the hospital world and it can feel that we are forgotten or overlooked, even by our own department, but we plod along and just do our job and don’t always see the whole picture, e.g. the patient receiving the live giving drugs that we have just booked in 5 minutes ago.
If you could change one thing about the NHS what would it be? The funding to get the NHS as good as it should be, with people receiving fair pay for the work they do and being recognised for the outstanding work that goes on.
Did you always want to work in healthcare? No, from a very young age I wanted to join the armed forces and follow I my grandfather’s steps. So, at the age of 16 I joined the Royal Navy and enjoyed travelling around the world and felt that I was serving my country in the best way I could. I have been very lucky in my life and have seen some amazing things. I left the navy in 2002 as I wanted to settle down and have a more family orientated life as I missed my kids. I have only been working with NHS for 3 years and I enjoy it.
How does the word wellbeing sit with you? To be honest, I am unsure, the word covers a variety of topics… The wellbeing of the patients and staff of the hospital is paramount, it’s no good trying to help someone if the nurse/doctor is struggling with their own wellbeing, whether it be mental, physical or emotional.
