STAFF at Victoria Jubilee Hospital in Kingston welcomed the opening of the hospital’s renewed lounge and wellness space on Wednesday, a courtyard dedicated to improving the well-being of workers at the institution.

The Carol Picart Courtyard falls under the Ministry of Health & Wellness’ Compassionate Care Programme, which aims to enhance healthcare environments by creating supportive and uplifting spaces for both staff and patients. It was donated by the Mia’Sarka Foundation and named in honour of its founder, Carol Picart.

The courtyard was designed as a wellness and relaxation area for healthcare workers; a tranquil space providing an opportunity for staff to rest, recharge, connect with colleagues, and decompress during their breaks. It incorporates pavestone décor and a landscaped wellness space with an uncovered outdoor seating area, gazebo area with picnic table, and two modular container units converted into a covered indoor lounge.

Administrative assistant Kayana Spencer hailed the upgrade of the area as an excellent initiative, especially for staff in the high-stress environment.

“Many times we’re confined to our office spaces until it’s time to go home. So this is an area where we can go and relax and ease our mind,” she said, explaining that patients will also get to utilise the space.

She explained that before the opening of the courtyard, patients would also use the area to relax, while they waited for their services.

Two modular container units create a covered indoor lounge. (Photo: SERHA)

“There was a space before, they beautified it, so [benches] were there, but it wasn’t covered, it was just an open area. When it rained it would get muddy,“ she added.

Meanwhile, Senior Medical Officer Dr Garth McDonald said the courtyard will help facilitate a positive work environment and boost staff morale.

For his part, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said staff lounges will soon be a staple in all public health facilities.

“Particularly [for] those working 24-hour shifts, where they want to heat up a little lunch, put up their feet… they must have it. And I intend to enforce it and to hold management accountable for it. I’ve given instructions that every hospital must have even a small location that provides a hot meal 24-7,” he said.

“Too many of our nurses and doctors have complained that they have to work all night and then have to go on the road to find something to eat. Or some of them have to go in their cars to rest because there is no lounge. If you treat your staff that way, you’re not going to expect them to give the patient the best possible care,” he added.

— Billeane Williams