At CHSF, we know that caring for people with congenital heart disease involves more than treating just the heart itself. It is so much more than that.
That’s why Mindfulness Welcome Packs are now being given to families when they arrive on the children’s heart ward, Ward L51.
Put together by CHSF’s Family Support team, these packs are a valuable tool for supporting parental wellbeing during what can be an incredibly challenging time. These packs are carefully curated to offer a blend of practical items and mindful activities.
Family Support & Youth Worker, Lucy, said:
“Hospitalisation can be a stressful experience for parents. The inclusion of items like stress balls, colouring books, and puzzle books provides opportunities for relaxation and distraction.
Engaging in these activities can help parents alleviate stress, unwind, and temporarily escape from the hospital environment.
“By providing items such as these, we encourage parents to engage in mindful activities that promote relaxation.
Some of the items included in our Mindfulness Packs are things like colouring books, water, a notepad and pen, a stress ball and hot drinks.
“These activities not only offer a break from ward life but also encourage mindfulness and the promoting of overall wellness.
“Staying hydrated and well fed is essential for maintaining physical health. Including two bottles of water and a snack in the mindfulness packs ensures that parents have access to refreshments throughout their stay on the ward. By prioritising hydration and nutrition, we support parent wellbeing and provide them with the energy they need to navigate the demands of staying on the ward.
“These packs serve as tangible reminders that the parent’s wellbeing matters, and it is essential to take moments for themselves.”
“The small comforts provided in the mindfulness packs, such as tea bags, coffee, and a notebook with pens, offer a sense of normalcy and familiarity in an unfamiliar environment. These items provide opportunities for parents to engage in tasks that bring them comfort and joy, whether it’s enjoying a brew or jotting down thoughts and reflections.
“By equipping parents with mindfulness packs upon their arrival, we empower them to prioritise their own self-care during their hospital stay. These packs serve as tangible reminders that their wellbeing matters and that it’s essential to take moments for themselves.
“The mindfulness packs provided to parents on Ward L51 play a crucial role in supporting parent wellbeing during their time on the ward. By offering a combination of relaxation tools, food, and comfort items, we aim to lighten the load slightly during a difficult time. Our mindfulness packs are a tangible sign of care and support, reinforcing our commitment to holistic wellbeing for families on our ward.”
Georgie visits the MRI Clinic
written by Georgie Abbott Yesterday I had the privilege to spend time at an MRI Cardiac Clinic headed up by Dr Malenka Bissell. Malenka is passionate about enhancing this clinic to provide the best possible care for babies and children with congenital heart disease in...
Georgie Shadows Play Specialist Emma
It’s the Little Things that have the Biggest Impact written by Georgie Abbott At the start of September we celebrated all our incredible young heart warriors and their families at our annual Children’s Heart Surgery Fund Superhero Walk. It was heart-warming to see...
Bringing the Gerlis Collection to Life
The Gerlis Collection, consisting of 785 human hearts with defects, is being brought to life in stunning 3D holograms and models, because of you!Back in the 1960s, Killingbeck Hospital in Leeds pioneered congenital heart defect repairs when knowledge was still...