References
These are the hands that care
Abstract
I have written about the many impressive guides that have been generated, predominantly by NHS England and NHS Improvement, to support our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, many of us have found the need for the latest guidance advising on ‘good leadership during bereavement and complex grief’ (NHS England and NHS Improvement, 2020). We have all seen an increase in deaths across our settings and, sadly, these include those of a number of healthcare workers. Providing leadership during these times has been professionally and personally challenging for us all.
The guide acknowledges that these times are more difficult, with little-to-no down time, with social distancing and a steady stream of anxiety-provoking media. The guidance recognises that we will have colleagues or, indeed, family or friends, who are being cared for, with some recovering and others not.
Bailey and West (2020) have published a paper on behalf of The King's Fund, recognising the importance of compassion in leadership, stating that it is required to unleash healthcare staff's collective wisdom and resilience. Compassion, they say, means paying attention to all staff, truly listening to them and being present with them. They go on to say that this means fully understanding the challenges they face, rather than seeking to impose understanding. Empathising with them, feeling their fears, stresses, uncertainties, anxieties and exhaustion, provides the motivation to always ask the question ‘how can I help you?’, the most important task of leadership.
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