Award winning ‘book of poems’ from staff at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon

Years of caring for patients have inspired staff at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon to put their feelings down on paper and compile a book of poems and quotes called  ‘Reflections of Care’.

 

After working alongside the organisational development department, Lynne James, ward manager on ward 3 took the opportunity of putting an idea into action.  Asking staff if they would like to contribute to writing a poem on their feelings and experiences through working life, Lynne started putting pen to paper.

 

The poem book was so successful that Lynne recently won an award at the health boards’ staff recognition event.  Lynne was recognised for her passion and enthusiasm in the delivery of the poetry book and won the ‘Health and Wellbeing at Work Award’.

 

Lynne wrote the first poem for the book, this was soon followed by a joint poem from her and ward sister Kay Bianchi – inviting staff to contribute to the ‘Reflections of Care’ book. They were overwhelmed by the eagerness of staff to contribute, and were soon well on their way to compiling the book.

 

Amongst the poems were illustrations, these were drawn by Leanne Colwill who works in the physiotherapy department at the hospital.  Leanne said: “I studied illustration at University, after a period of time spent as a hospital patient myself I felt drawn to a caring profession. It’s been great to be able to combine the illustrations with my current role, where I enjoy working as part of the Rehabilitation team”.

 

Included in the book is a poem from a patient who was ward on ward 4. He saw the book and offered his poem for inclusion. He was delighted to see it incorporated into the book.

 

Lynne said: “The poems are a reflection on how we, as nurses, feel when we care for our patients. For me, although there are challenges, nursing is more than just a job, it’s a vocation, and hopefully this is reflected in what is written.

 

“I would like to have a book on each ward at the hospital and in the chapel, so that patients, visitors and staff can read it if they wish”.

 

Sorrel Hill, Staff nurse on ward 4 said: “I wrote a few poems and really enjoyed the experience and challenge. I valued the opportunity of being able to share my experiences and my feelings on caring for patients and their families.  I hope people have enjoyment from reading them as they reflect my passion for the work that I do everyday”.