Miss Matilda Smith1, Miss Kate Rodgers1, Mrs Maree Wood1
1Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour, Australia
Biography:
Matilda Smith is a Radiation Therapist at MNCCI Coffs Harbour, where she has worked for the past 18 months since completing her studies at the University of Newcastle. During her degree, she undertook multiple clinical placements in regional settings, fostering a deep appreciation for regional healthcare. Matilda has a strong interest in patient care and the wellbeing of staff and students. She values initiatives that support professional growth and wellbeing in allied health education. Today, she will be speaking about the Wellness Wednesday initiative, which is implemented at MNCCI for RT students and which she attended herself whilst on placement.
Abstract:
This presentation follows the Wellness Wednesday initiative, a "safe space" program developed at the Mid North Coast Cancer Centre (MNCCI) to enhance the mental well-being and provide additional educational opportunities for radiation therapy (RT) students during clinical placements. Wellness Wednesday is a weekly 1 ½-hour informal meetup held across multiple departments, focused on offering emotional support and fostering a sense of community. The first hour allows students to identify and share their emotions, disclose their placement experiences, and engage in group discussions. Following this, there is either a tutorial, student-led session, or educator presentation on various topics, including those requested by the students. The remaining time is reserved for students to debrief, catch up, or simply unwind, providing a relaxed, open, and supportive environment.
Wellness Wednesday was initiated in response to the challenges students face during regional placements, including feelings of isolation and stress, often arising from being away from regular support systems like family and friends. The program aims to promote social connectedness and normalise the acknowledgment of fluctuating feelings and emotions throughout clinical placements.
The benefits of Wellness Wednesday are clear, with all participants in surveys reporting the sessions as beneficial to their overall well-being, education, and professional development. The program has created a supportive, non-judgemental space for students to share their experiences, leading to improved mental health and stronger social connections. While currently implemented on the Mid North Coast, the program shows potential for broader application, offering valuable support for students on placements in any healthcare discipline.