Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust is offering its emergency department employees specialist rest pods and chairs to relax before and after their shifts.
The rest pods and chairs were on loan to the NHS Trust during the peak of the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, but due to their success, the rest areas will now become a permanent fixture in the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury, thanks to Oxford Hospital Charity's donation of £32,00 to set-up the rest spaces.
Once activated, the pod uses lighting and soothing music to help the employee relax with a visor covering their face, while the recliner chairs provide employees with the opportunity to rest and relax.
Anna Hinton, health and wellbeing promotion specialist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The pods we've had on trial have been so well received by staff throughout the pandemic. They are shown to increase alertness and reduce stress which is beneficial for both our staff and our patients. The Centre of Occupational Health and Wellbeing initiated the original trial and is delighted that they have been so supportive to staff wellbeing.
"Feedback has been extremely positive, with staff describing the facilities as 'game changing' and important to their wellbeing."