Supporting staff during the transition to the new hospital

The Emerge Jolly Trolley making it’s rounds. Image by Sarah Bennett
Emerge is a programme of creative activities designed to support the wellbeing of staff at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital as they go through a process of transition from the old to the new.
During the 3Ts Redevelopment, as well as experiencing disruption during the build itself, staff may feel a sense of loss as familiar buildings are demolished; or they may experience anxiety about changes to working practices.
The Emerge programme – which includes Team Creative Wellbeing Sessions, Little Perks, the Jolly Trolley and the Culture Club Newsletter – has been designed in response to consultation with staff who told us that they wanted opportunities to have fun, relax & learn new skills during this period of change.
Delivered by Brighton-based arts organisation ONCA, Emerge offers staff opportunities to feel nurtured, be creative, connect and have fun through a range of activities, workshops and experiences.
Little Perks and the Jolly Trolley
- Little Perks have been delivering pop-up performances, wellbeing treats & comedy surprises across the Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal Hospitals throughout 2019 and 2020.
- Supremely popular, the Jolly Trolley is a bright, fun, playful, bi-monthly tea trolley delivering treats & jollity to staff on the wards.
“You’ve brightened our morning” – Bristol Ward (Jolly Trolley visit)
“It’s such a lovely idea” – Neurotheatres
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Culture Club
Culture Club is a bi-monthly newsletter celebrating local culture, artists and opportunities, packed with fantastic competitions & discounts for staff.
Check out our previous issues;
Culture Club Newsletter Issue One
Culture Club Newsletter Issue Two
Culture Club Newsletter Issue Three
“I’ve just read the November edition of the Culture Club newsletter … and thought it was amazing. I didn’t realise there was such an initiative within the hospital but think it brings a much-needed bit of creativity and connection.” BSUH staff member
Team Creative Wellbeing Sessions

Image of workshop with NHS staff. Image by Sarah Bennett
Free Creative Wellbeing sessions are offered to staff teams focusing on topics such as creative, fun and enjoyable approaches to Team Building, Relaxation and Creating Spaces to Talk. Sessions are also available to managers, exploring subjects such as Creative Leaders and Ways You Can Help Your Staff.
“It was a real break for the brain where I could just push work related stuff to the back of my head for a moment.”
“Thank you for giving us time and space to step away from our problems.”