The increasing stress and burnout faced by frontline mental health workers have necessitated a significant change toward prioritizing staff care, culminating in the inauguration of a new well-being center at St Giles Hospital today.
The facility was officially launched by Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa, who noted the mounting emotional strain on healthcare workers, exacerbated by a rise in patient admissions and increasingly complex cases. He emphasized that while patient-centered care remains crucial, equally important is the focus on staff-centered care to foster a resilient and sustainable healthcare system.
“Burnout, fatigue, and emotional strain directly impact service delivery, patient outcomes, and workforce retention,” Ravunawa stated. “Staff well-being is not a luxury; it is a strategic imperative.”
In a heartfelt observation, Habitat for Humanity Fiji Projects and Community Development Manager Losalini Nalawa reflected on her visit, stating, “We saw the exhaustion behind brave and compassionate faces. They were smiling, but quietly we asked ourselves who supports the people who carry so much for everyone else.”
The project, which began construction in July last year, saw dedicated volunteers who contributed their weekends while balancing full-time jobs. Nalawa highlighted that the team also engaged in fundraising efforts and garnered support from corporate partners and donors to ensure the project’s completion, set for December 2025.
The newly established center is designed as a restorative space where staff can take a moment to pause, reset, and recharge. It is anticipated that medical personnel will engage in light sporting and recreational activities in the space, aiming to enhance both physical and mental wellness.
This initiative emerged from the Leadership Fiji 2024 cohort, which was motivated to act after witnessing the emotional toll on staff during a visit to the national psychiatric facility, particularly in light of rising drug-related cases. The opening of this well-being center marks a hopeful step towards prioritizing the mental health and resilience of those who care for others.
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