"Hear my Prayer," Medical Ward, Torbay Hospital

By Helen Snell 2023 - 2024

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.

Ward Sister

How does the drawing align with your own thoughts about working in the NHS? I’m praying for less stress, more support and peace, a calming influence on patients.

If you could change one thing about the NHS, what would it be? It’s not what you know it’s who you know. That gets you places. It’s focused a lot on patient flow and management priorities. I would love the focus to be less on how can we save money!!!!!!! Make work Fun for employees.

Did you always want to work in healthcare? Yes always, to care for people especially the elderly. Patients are so vulnerable and need reassurance and calmness. Taking care of someone who is unable to independently is so rewarding, and healthcare is the fact that I will be helping people every single day, whilst making a positive impact on their life. Regardless of my role within the NHS, working in healthcare allows me to nurture my desire to help others and earn a living at the same time.

How does the word ‘wellbeing’ sit with you? It’s a huge part of my life to try to encourage patient and staff wellbeing. It’s about nurturing yourself and self-care. Wellbeing must be a priority. Wellbeing encompasses mental, physical, emotional, and economic health, influenced by workplace relationships, resources, and decisions. I feel without positive wellbeing you would feel a negative drive.

What would you change, remove or add to the drawing to reflect your experiences, personality and interests? I can’t help thinking it maybe looks like I’m praying to stay alive. I’m not sure why I put my arms together when I laid on the bed, it must mean peace to me.