Government to expand Schwartz Center Rounds scheme

The Department of Health is to expand a successful scheme that allows NHS staff to get together once a month and discuss their experiences of care provision.

Known as Schwartz Center Rounds, the initiative encourages workers to reflect on the stresses and dilemmas that they have faced while looking after patients, thus helping to foster a culture of compassionate care.

With a new grant of almost 650,000 pounds over the next two years, monthly Schwartz Center Rounds will be established at 40 additional NHS trusts, while the meetings will also be piloted among GP practices, district nurses and in the community.

Research pilot sites in the US and England have demonstrated that this scheme helps staff to communicate, feel less isolated, cope with emotional pressures and understand their colleagues better.

Health minister Dr Dan Poulter said: "Schwartz Center Rounds have been shown to help hospital and care staff support each other and learn about how to deal better with tough situations, and spend more time focused on caring for patients."

These sessions were developed by the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare in Boston and are utilised in 39 US states.