Stronger Together - The Neonatology Way
View VESSELS Catalogue here
PI: Dr. Huang Peiqi
Paediatrics ACP
In this fast-paced environment, there has been increasing awareness of the need for self-care in order for healthcare workers to be available to provide the best care for patients. The Department of Neonatology in KK Women's and Children's Hospital is no exception. Our latest department staff wellness survey in 2024 highlighted a desire for greater work-life balance, leading us to focus on strategies to reduce burnout, decrease stress and anxiety, and maximise staff wellness. Advancing the practice of medical humanities in our department has the potential to help us to achieve this, through the creation and appreciation of art.
Art-making is a powerful and creative process which imparts mindfulness, provides escape from the constraints of regular work, and brings joy. In particular, the act of sculpting clay engages the senses and emotions, and can be especially visceral and grounding. Pottery is especially relevant to our Department's theme for 2024, "Stronger together". The soft clay symbolizes us as a department, as it is shaped together and subject to the fire (challenges), to transform into something stronger and more beautiful.
Aside from the joy of creating, sharing their artworks allows learners to reflect on and narrate their stories and challenges, as well as make sense of their diverse experiences in their journey as healthcare professionals. Using art as dialogue, participants have the opportunity to embrace each other's perspectives and humanity, deepen relationships and grow a sense of connection with each other. In addition, reflection of experiences allow learners to identify and commit to values important to them, discover their purpose, and develop a sense of meaning at work, which in turn would help tackle burnout.
We hope that through this initiative, our staff would experience personal growth, see their role in the bigger collective and appreciate their potential to make a positive impact.
Workshop on 14 September 2024:
Art pieces beautifully created by participants ( before firing ):
Workshop on 24 August 2024:
