Bringing Heart to Healthcare. Emotional Connections at Southern DHB and Beyond 

In the fast-paced, high-stress world of healthcare, the well-being of staff often takes a backseat to patient care. However, two remarkable stories from the healthcare sector illustrate how focusing on emotional culture can transform team dynamics, even in the most challenging environments.

The Southern DHB Experience: A Culture Shift

At the Southern District Health Board (now known as Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora), the introduction of The Emotional Culture Deck marked the beginning of a cultural shift. Spearheaded by Mel Wallhurst, The ECD became a key tool in redefining team interactions and support systems.

The healthcare teams at Southern DHB, dealing daily with the unpredictability of patient needs and the relentless pace of change, found in The ECD a way to articulate their emotional landscape. This wasn't about adding another task to their workload; it was about creating space to understand and support each other better. From the vaccination team, newly formed and seeking direction, to more established teams navigating internal conflicts, The ECD facilitated a dialogue that wasn't happening before. Teams began to operate not just with a sense of duty but with a renewed sense of connection and empathy, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and cohesion.

Nursing Narratives: Connection Through Conversation

Parallel to the transformation at Southern DHB, a series of workshops with nursing teams revealed the profound impact of The ECD on frontline healthcare workers. In one workshop, a group of nurses described feeling like a bunch of ducks crash-landing onto a pond - together, yet chaotic. Through The ECD, they found a way to smooth out the waters, discussing their aspirations for connection and understanding what it truly meant to them.

The sessions were eye-opening. Nurses, often reticent to discuss emotions, found a voice and a space to share. "I don’t like talking about emotions, and this is really helping," admitted one participant, capturing the essence of The ECD's impact. It wasn't just about airing feelings; it was about linking those feelings to behaviors and actions in the workplace. Despite the constant battle with time, the more the team used The ECD, the more they found ways to integrate its lessons into their tight schedules, making every moment count.