The Staff Support Staff (3S) programme was developed after the SARS crisis, a time when many of its employees were put through phenomenal strain. It is a voluntary peer support programme run by staff for other staff who encounter stressful situations and require peer support and counselling.

The 3S committee is chaired by the clinical head of psychological medicine. Staff volunteers undergo 4-days company sponsored training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Individual Crisis Intervention and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses to enable them to have the skills to provide effective support. To date, we have more than 65 staff who have either been trained or are undergoing training. More have signed up as volunteers. Team Leaders are provided with an additional 4-days training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Group Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention & Intervention Courses.

The 3S team was put to the test when two tragic incidents happened recently. They were able to help and support affected employees in overcoming their grief and move on with their lives.

Having 3S in place have been beneficial to the organisation. Volunteers derive satisfaction through the training received and the support they convey to their peers. The scheme boosts confidence of the hospital staff and reassures that resources are available to assist them in coping with stress.