1. Enabling compassionate care in an ever changing world Some thoughts and images to ponder drawn from the workshops

3. Why is being compassionate so important? Compassion motivates people to go out of their way to help physical, spiritual, or emotional hurts or pains of another. Golden Rule: Do to others what you would have them do to you.

4. Henri J.M. Nouwen “Let us not underestimate how hard it is to be compassionate. Compassion is hard because it requires the inner disposition to go with others to place where they are weak, vulnerable, lonely, and broken. But this is not our spontaneous response to suffering. What we desire most is to do away with suffering by fleeing from it or finding a quick cure for it.”

5. Elements of compassion Recognition of the uniqueness of the individual Willingness to enter into a relationship in which not only the knowledge but the intuition, strengths and emotions of BOTH the patient and professional can be fully engaged - - Lowenstein 2008

6. NHS Constitution 2009 We respond with humanity and kindness to each other’s pain and distress, anxiety or need. We search for the things we can do, however small, to give comfort and relieve suffering. We find time for those we serve and work alongside. We do not wait to be asked, because we care

7. How do we enable individual acts of kindness? In our work places? In the teams we work within? In our personal lives How do we create systems that value individual acts of kindness?

8. An organisation that encourages acts of kindness Modelled by all staff at all levels in the organisation Valuing the giving and receiving of treats Sharing sadness Noticing and acknowledging Laughter / crying Using time well and making time for others Being ourselves

9. Allowing risks How do we allow individuals to take risks? How do we create safe systems that tolerate risk? How do we create safe teams that tolerate risk? How do I enable myself to take risks? How do we know when a risk is unsafe?

10. A Risk taking Organisation is one: where failure is permissible Has a learning culture Provides a balanced response when things go wrong Provides support and “back up” when things go wrong Has a “no blame culture” Trusts the skill, knowledge and competence of the staff Ensures clarity around role and boundaries

11. Elements of compassionate care Wanting to engage in a real dialogue Active and genuine listening – truly being there Being comfortable with not fixing things The importance of silence Recognition of a meeting of equals with expertise in their own sphere You matter because you are you and you are important Going the “extra mile” Hope

12. Compassionate Organisation? What are the values instilled by training – Skills and knowledge – Openness and honesty – communication What are the values instilled within a team? – All the above and…. – Co-operation, respect, trust, valuing each other What are the values instilled by an organisation – All the above and........ – Engagement, encouragement, listening, communication What are the values that reflect compassion?

13. Compassionate Systems What does a patient see from their bed? How does a patietn / relative feel walking into the hospice / hospital / care home? How does a relative ask questions and how are they made to feel if they do? How does a relative raise concerns and how are they made to feel if they do?

14. Barriers to compassionate care? Lack of resources – Skill, money, staff money Lack of quality time Complacency Lack of support from peers / organisation Ignorance Poor leadership Fear of being overwhelmed by the demand Fear of being side-lined by others

15. Supporting staff Ensuring they have Skills they need to do the job asked of them Consistency around role, expectations and standards TIME De-briefs / quiet spaces Supportive multi-disciplinary team meetings Space where teams can get to know each other Schwartz rounds Clinical supervision Modelling by managers BUT ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL

16. What is your response? C - Celebrate O - Openness M - Moment P - Pause A – Answering the call S - Special S - Space and time to dream I - Inspire O – Ourselves N – Now and for ever C O M P A S I O N