CELEB DESIGNER CREATES WELLBEING HAVEN FOR GP PRACTICE STAFF IN NORTH-WEST LONDON

This weekend a London General Practice, Mandeville Medical Centre, was overhauled by designer and ex-NHS worker, Siobhan Murphy famous from Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr, to give back to NHS workers and create a wellness hub that reimagines the general practice.

Mjog by Livi, the UK’s leading practice software platform, wanted to show the importance of giving back to healthcare workers after a new report, published in partnership with The Future Laboratory, showed that ‘wellness architecture’ can reduce stress, heart rate and blood pressure levels, with the revamp designed to bring that concept to life in reality.

After two gruelling years coping with the pandemic, the NHS workforce continues to work hard, battling long waiting lists and record demand.

Recent research suggests a staggering 92% of NHS trusts are concerned about staff wellbeing, stress and burnout. Against that backdrop, Mjog is on a mission to ensure healthcare workers have the best possible chance to relax and recuperate, which is what the unveiling of today’s redesign at Mandeville Medical Practice is all about.

Upon seeing the redesigned space for the first time, Preeti Roopra, Receptionist and Mandeville Medical Centre, said: “We can’t really put into words what this space means for us. We’ve all experienced some extremely tough times over the last few years, spending long hours in the practice and meeting patient requirements. At times I’ve wondered whether there was any light at the end of the tunnel. Whilst there’s still a long road ahead, this space is something we need in order to switch off, rewind and relax between a fast moving surgery life. I was so shocked walking into the room – it literally bought the biggest smile to face. It means the world.”

Barbara Lansiquot, Practice Manager at Mandeville Medical Centre, said: “Whilst life is returning to some form of normality, many of us on the frontline are struggling to recover from the long term impacts of the pandemic. It’s been incredibly hard to balance the wellbeing of patients, and practice workers alike, taking into account sickness, staff shortages and an increased demand for GP appointments.”

“We’re doing our best to keep things going, but it’s been a long few years for our staff and being able to give back to them is critical to support their wellbeing – no matter how big or small that may be. Having this gift from Mjog is not only a massive surprise, but something that will go a long way to making our staff feel happy. It’s quite emotional seeing the space transform from somewhere uninviting, to somewhere we actually want to spend our time.”

The Future of General Practice reveals that 87% of workers would benefit from healthier workspaces supporting staff wellbeing – which is exactly why leading health tech platform, Mjog by Livi, wanted to give back and create a space where staff can really unwind. Before, the lighting was stark and oppressive. Now, NHS staff at Mandeville have a brightly coloured space with brand new sofas, modern decor, and warm mood lighting to enjoy, playing into the concepts of wellness architecture.

Siobhan Murphy, designer and former NHS worker, said: “Reading through the report I was fascinated by the concept of wellness architecture. Having worked in NHS surgeries and hospitals over the last 18 years, I know how drab a lot of back office rooms can be, and the impact it can have on your sense of wellbeing

“Mandeville Medical Centre’s back office space is quite literally unrecognisable from what it was before! I’ve chosen a gorgeous green, turquoise and yellow colour palette for the room and introduced some plants which have also been mimicked with leafy murals on the walls, and stylish furniture. I wanted the space to awaken the senses and soothe the soul. People are often surprised at how far a few nice pillows, throws, fake plants and a lick of new paint can go. Breakout spaces such as these are vital to improving staff wellbeing at work so this isn’t just about a lick of paint, it’s about helping give back to those who’ve weathered the toughest years amid mounting pressure in healthcare.”

Jonathan Duffy, Head of Practices at Livi, said: “Mjog’s overall mission is to be a practice ally both to NHS workers and their patients. We understand that pressure within the healthcare sector is at an all-time high, which is why we wanted to say thank you and give back.

“We hope that by commissioning this report and research, we will be able to find innovative ways to support our practices and truly improve patient outcomes for the long term, so the future that’s predicted by the report is something we can play a role in making a reality. So whether it’s a better digital front door that helps alleviate pressure in practice, or a reimagined way to help healthcare workers unwind, the time to say thank you is now. It’s delightful to see the work Siobhan has done and, best of all, the workers’ reactions to their new wellbeing hub.”