An unsung hero and “lifeline” for those shielding
UHDB, alongside other NHS Midland Trusts, has featured in the BBC’s Unsung Heroes project. Throughout the week BBC East Midlands has praised the work of NHS non-clinical unsung heroes; those who have gone above and beyond for their colleagues and merit bringing to the forefront.
Following numerous nominations from colleagues who praised her kind, caring and compassionate work, Sian Brown, who was redeployed to the Sickness Absence Team at the start of the pandemic, was proudly put forward as our unsung hero.
Sian has supported more than 500 colleagues on long-term sick leave or shielding due to Covid-19, going above and beyond to make sure her colleagues have easy access to wellbeing support, were first in line for the vaccine and have a platform to talk to others who share their experience; breaking up feelings of isolation or distance from work.
One of the great ways Sian has been providing this support is through a shielding group her and her team setup on Facebook. When asked about the difference this resource makes for those colleagues, Sian said: “Having a support group where they can talk to other people who are feeling the same way is really useful. Somewhere they can empathise with each other and know they aren’t alone in this.”
The experience of those colleagues who are shielding, and have been for a long time, is often occupied by increased levels of anxiety, loneliness and isolation. This is something Sian has been working hard to ease: “I try and listen and let them know that they’re not alone, and reassure them that as soon as they can come back to work they will be welcomed with open arms. I make sure they know that we can’t wait to have them back.”
“It’s really upsetting for so many of them, they all feel guilty for not being on the front line with their colleagues and it does really affect them.”
Sian’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, with colleagues describing her as a “lifeline” and “an amazing strength to us all”. CEO Gavin Boyle, said: “Sian has worked incredibly hard to bring people together to keep that connection with our shielding colleagues, to keep their sense of being part of the team and foster support between colleagues who are shielding, she’s done an amazing job.”
We would like to say a huge thank you to Sian, on behalf of everyone here at UHDB; the compassionate care you are providing is making the world of difference to your colleagues.
With so many incredible unsung heroes across the Trust, we will continue to highlight these stories in the weeks and months to come.
If you missed Sian on BBC East Midlands News, you can catch her clip on the evening news 24/02/21 feature here.