SMHS Christmas Gratitude Week

BACKGROUND

• Over the past three years (2017, 2018 and 2019), FSFHG has hosted a food truck luncheon to celebrate Christmas and recognise employees for their hard work and achievements throughout the preceding year.This gesture has always had a positive impact on the FSFHG culture, boosting morale and ensuring staff feel appreciated, which is in line with the SMHS Strategic Plan 2017-2020 priority to develop a culture that maintains a highly engaged and satisfied workforce.
• In 2020, the presence of COVID-19 has put this event at risk due to:
  • COVID-19 physical distancing requirements and the challenge to adhere to these in a large gathering
  • Potential risk of an outbreak which will result in cancellation of the event
  • Resources required to prepare and respond to COVID-19 (and the secondary Elective Waitlist Blitz) has meant that Christmas preparations have been significantly delayed, not only at FSFHG but across health in the East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) and the North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) also.

CURRENT SITUATION

• The extra pressure and workload FSFHG staff have been dealing with throughout 2020 in relation to COVID-19 and the Elective Waitlist Blitz heightens the need and importance to recognise and thank FSFHG staff.

• The Department of Health’s Public Health Unit (PHU) released information on 10 September 2020 specifically regarding Christmas functions outlining:

1. WA is currently in Phase 4 restrictions: people are required to stand 1.5m apart, and capacity is limited to 1 person / 2 sqm. This is legislated and will be difficult to adhere to at a large gathering with queues for food trucks
2. Large crowd sizes may increase the size of a potential outbreak.
3. Large crowd sizes have implications for risk mitigation strategies.

• In this same information release, the PHU also provided the recommendation to “avoid any activity that involves queuing”.
• The Lead of the COVID-19 Planning Cell at State Health Incident Coordination Centre (SHICC) was consulted on 4 September 2020, who stated that specific advice about Christmas events would only occur in the case of any change in COVID-19 cases and/or community transmission.
• The Managers of the Office of the Executive Director Office at EMHS and NMHS were also consulted with and confirmed that they were also not proceeding with their traditional Christmas events and were also delayed in the planning due to COVID-19.
• It has been estimated that in mid-December, staff numbers across FSFHG will be similar to:

FSH = 5,431

FH = 1,618

TOTAL = 7,049

(source: Employee Demographics Report, Tableau)

The following option was approved:

The company who provided the Gratitude Gift Boxes was "Fresh Convenience Catering"