Wellbeing scenarios Carole

58, Consultant

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What happened?

Carole is on call during a busy December evening. The unit has been particularly busy and there are bed shortages.

  • Alert

    Carole was told the Transport team are bringing in a patient from a small town in the region.

  • Alert

    Carole admitted the patient to PICU. The patient was gravely unwell and was rushed into theatre.

  • Alert

    The anaesthetist phoned Carole to inform her that the patient had died in theatre.

And then?

  • Tick

    The anaesthetist told Carole she did all that she could to save the patient.

  • Tick

    Carole took some time out by walking to the canteen. She bumped into her PCC colleague, Anika, on the way.

  • Tick

    Anika asked if Carole was OK, and Carole burst into tears.

  • Tick

    Anika took Carole to the canteen and they had a hot drink.

  • Alert

    Carole felt uneasy crying in front of Anika, a much younger and more junior colleague.

  • Tick

    Anika reassured Carole that it is okay to show emotion, and proceeded to listen to Carole.

  • Tick

    Carole went back to PICU, feeling cared for after talking things over with Anika.

  • Tick

    Carole was then able to complete her shift calmly. When she got home, she slept well.

How to improve

  • Improve

    PCC Staff could run debriefs to help them work through challenging and upsetting events. It’s important that all those involved in challenging events get an opportunity to reflect on them and understand what happened.

  • Improve

    It’s important that everyone feels able to share their emotions. Support can come from any member of the PCC team, regardless of their role or age.

  • Improve

    It can be really helpful to everyone on the unit when more senior colleagues show their vulnerability in this way.

  • Improve

    Listening without judgement can make all the difference.