What is a Schwartz Round?

Schwartz Rounds provide a structured forum where all staff, clinical and non-clinical, can come together to discuss the emotional and social aspects of working in healthcare. They’re not about problem solving, they’re about understanding and reflecting on the emotional impacts of the work we do.

Schwartz Rounds help us to understand the challenges and rewards in providing care, whilst increasing insight and appreciation for each other’s roles.

This facility is being offered to staff members, both clinical and non-clinical, working in Sefton Partnership organisations. Rounds are currently being held via Microsoft Teams.

This video of a Schwartz Round at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust from independent charity The Point of Care Foundation, will show you what to expect. Please be aware the subject matter of this film may be upsetting.

Dr Kate Clark, Medical Director at Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals NHS Trust explains how Schwartz Rounds have been benefitted her.

Upcoming Schwartz Rounds 

*Session topics may change, please check nearer the time

What are the benefits of participating in a Schwartz Round?

They can help staff feel more supported in their jobs, to give them the time and space to reflect on their roles. Evidence shows that staff who attend Rounds feel less stressed and isolated, with increased insight and appreciation for each other’s roles.

 

Staff who feel supported in their work, who feel compassion from their workplace, are in a better place to provide compassionate care to the people they look after, which can make a huge difference to people’s experience.

 

They also help to reduce hierarchies between staff and to focus attention on relational aspects of care.

How do Schwartz Rounds work?

Rounds consist of a facilitated panel discussion to an audience. The panel comprises two or three people who share their experiences after which a trained facilitator leads an open discussion asking participants to share their thoughts and reflections on the stories.

 

Rounds may be based on a particular theme and work best when there is a mix of staff from different levels of seniority.

How do I attend?

Schwartz Rounds are currently being done via Microsoft Teams. To book to attend a Round please email soh-tr.schwartzrounds@nhs.net

 

If you have an experience in your working life that had an emotional impact and you would like to share, please get in touch with one of our trained facilitators, who will listen your story and support you in your preparation to share it with others.

Do you have a story to tell?

Think of a story from work that you would be willing to share in a Round:  

• What happened?
• Why does this stick in your mind?
• How did it effect you?
• How did it make you feel?

 

If you would like to discuss sharing your story at a future Schwartz Round please email soh-tr.schwartzrounds@nhs.net to get in touch with a trained facilitator.

Why is Sefton Partnership delivering Schwartz Rounds?

Schwartz Rounds are being rolled out across the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership and the Sefton Partnership is delivering this locally.

 

Staff who feel supported in their work, who feel compassion from their workplace, are in a better place to provide compassionate care to the people they look after, which can make a huge difference to people’s experience.

 

Health and care partners in Sefton recognise the impact that the pandemic has had on our health and wellbeing and understand the need to care for our staff with the same compassion expected of the care they provide to patients. Schwartz Rounds have proven benefits for staff mental health and wellbeing and patient care. They also help to promote greater understanding and empathy among colleagues supporting greater collaborative working and the Partnership wants all colleagues to have the opportunity to benefit from this.