![[APHA]](/images/logo_apha.svg){kind=logo}
Sydney Adventist Hospital staff have been spending time checking in with the people around them.
'R U OK? Day' on Thursday 12 September 2024 was a reminder to staff at New South Wales' largest private hospital to stay connected and have the conversations needed to get through difficult times.
The executive team visited all areas of the Wahroonga Estate facility – also known as the San – to hand out snacks and enjoy a chat, particularly with the 'Wardies' who all were wearing R U OK? t-shirts.
Adventist Healthcare CEO Brett Goods said mental health mattered every day of the year.
"Not just on one day, but any day," he said.
"We never know what may be happening in the background for someone and sometimes saying the smallest thing can have a huge impact.
"It's about taking a moment to care."
Mr Goods said it was an important issue to talk about, particularly as loneliness, isolation and mental-health concerns were on the rise.
"Talking about mental health is a sign of strength and self-awareness, and invites others to participate in an ongoing conversation with far-reaching benefits," he said.
"Offering a non-judgmental, safe and private space to talk can give people the confidence to open up and feel supported."
Earlier this year, the San's pharmacy staff were feeling particularly supported with the opening of a new robotic storage and dispensing system.
Carol Zeuschner, Director of Cancer Services and Ambulatory Care, recognised the "tireless efforts" of those behind the project.
"We really wanted to thank everyone who has helped us to get to this point now, it does take a small village to make everything happen, and we want to acknowledge everyone who has contributed along the way," she said.
Hospital chaplain Kym Cross acknowledged the commitment of the pharmacy team and delivered a blessing – the first she had ever done for a piece of robotic equipment.
"May the Lord guide you with wisdom and hope, may you all be led in the noble work that you do, may your hands be steady, your hearts be kind and your minds be true," she said.
"We pray blessing on our pharmacy department, allied doctors and staff, may excellence always reign. May you continue to deliver exceptional world class care alleviating suffering and easing pain."
Read more: Blessing for San's patient assessment team
Read more: How to build 'whole-person health'
Next On The Ground:
15/10/2024 'Seed' makes breast cancer surgery simpler
Previous On The Ground:
17/9/2024 Breast care boost for regional patients