Upcoming Rounds

Mental Health/Frequent Attenders (TBC)

Mental Health/Frequent Attenders (TBC)

Wednesday 11 October
1.00 - 2.00 pm
via Microsoft Teams

Joint Schwartz Round with CNTW

A student’s perspective – from the ivory tower to the street

A student’s perspective – from the ivory tower to the street

Tues 24 October
2.00 - 3.00 pm
Lecture Theatre, QEH

Do you remember the first day you pulled on your uniform, and you were a fully qualified medical professional? Or the first time you introduced yourself to a patient as Dr XXX? What about the first time you dispensed patient medication? Or scanned a pregnant person?

No matter how successful we were in our studies, or how prepared we think we are, the first time we are present ourselves as a qualified professional it can be daunting.

This round aims to reflect on the challenges of moving from a training role, into a qualified role. We are inviting our students to this round so that they can take part in the discussions, and perhaps reflect on their own thoughts about the move from trainee to qualified professional – and maybe get a chance to see that we’ve all been there at some stage!

Treat as one - seeing the person as a whole

Treat as one - seeing the person as a whole

Wed 15 November 2023
1.00 - 2.00 pm
Lecture Theatre, QEH
Refreshments available from 12.30 pm

When our patients come to us for care, often it’s for EITHER a physical OR a mental difficulty. But we know that physical and mental health are intertwined, and so a holistic approach is often needed.

What happens when we take that approach? How easy is it to widen our scope to see the person as a whole? and what is the impact on our patients and ourselves as care providers when we try to do that?

Let’s talk about it!

When two worlds collide (eg seeing the healthcare environment from the perspective of a patient/carer)

When two worlds collide (eg seeing the healthcare environment from the perspective of a patient/carer)

Thursday 23 November
9.30 - 10.30 am
Microsoft Teams

Have you ever been on the other side of the healthcare dynamic – as a patient or a carer? How did that make you feel? Did you feel out of control? Did you feel helpless?

When we work in healthcare, we try to put ourselves in our patient’s shoes – but when we really are in those shoes because we ARE the patient, how does that feel?

Join us for our November Schwartz Round as we explore how it feels when we see the health service from a different perspective.

Merry Christmas.... I'm off now

Merry Christmas.... I'm off now

Wednesday 20 December
12.30 - 1.30 pm
Lecture Theatre, QEH
Mince Pies & Tea/Coffee available from 12 noon

Over the Christmas break in the UK, many things grind to a halt, and even in our hospitals things are much quieter than normal. However, as a healthcare provider we know that our patients still need care 24/7 both in the hospital and out in the community.

What happens when everyone (it seems!) goes home on Christmas Eve and leaves a skeleton staff behind?

Do you have a story about a time when you’ve worked over Christmas? Was it a fun, festive experience? Or did it leave you feeling alone and vulnerable?

We’d love you to join us for our last Schwartz Round for 2023.

Let’s talk…..

About Schwartz Rounds

Help us make Schwartz a success!

We always appreciate help in spreading the word and ensuring our colleagues are aware of upcoming rounds.

Here you'll find a link to the any promotional posters for upcoming rounds - as well as a button to request an invite to any upcoming round and a dedicated form to complete if you're interested in learning more about being a storyteller!

Schwartz Rounds

Schwartz Rounds

Schwartz Rounds sessions aim to help colleagues better understand the challenges and rewards of providing care. This is brought to life through your experiences, helping us each to better understand the respective roles we all play in the delivery of care. Evidence shows that staff who attend Rounds feel less stressed and less isolated – and all are invited to join us. 

Rounds are focused around a particular overarching theme and take place at Gateshead monthly. Themes can be broad and overarching or related to a particular case. Sessions can be held either in-person or via Microsoft Teams. For a list of upcoming sessions, please check the mental wellbeing news section or contact us.

Sessions last around one hour. The first 15-20 minutes will be led by 2-3 storytellers, who will share their experiences around the theme. Storyteller panels will ideally be built via a mix of clinical and non-clinical staff to help build well-rounded perspective amongst attendees. The remainder of the session will then be led by trained facilitators from within the Trust, who’ll lead an open discussion.

The focus of Schwartz Rounds is very much on reflection, and so discussion will be focused around this as opposed to problem solving. All sessions are a confidential space, with patient and staff identities protected and it clearly outlined that the room is a safe space. An added bonus is that Schwartz Rounds are also accredited with CPD Points, with all attendees receiving a certificate post-round.

The Point of Care Foundation

Hospice at Home

Team Time

Similar to Schwartz Rounds, Team Time provides a reflective space – with a key difference being that these sessions are held for the benefit of a particular team as opposed to being open invitation. Accordingly, topics are often more focused and may be more likely to be around a particular case or incident.

Team Time provides teams with a safe, facilitated forum that promotes the normalisation of vocalising emotions, the creation of a culture of openness and increasing connectedness.

These sessions tend to be virtual and last up to 45 minutes, with any member of the particular team invited to take part – regardless of role. That being said, not all members of a team must participate and team members who’d prefer to listen do not have to contribute to the discussion.

A trained facilitator will introduce the session alongside its aims and objectives, reiterating ground rules and the importance of confidentiality. Two team members will then share their reflections of the Team Time topic, before others in attendance are invited to share their thoughts.

The Point of Care Foundation

Learn more about the Point of Care Foundation and Schwartz Rounds, including FAQs and more.