Health and wellness at the heart of new initiative forprovince’s health care workers

(MONCTON) – A new, innovative project aimed at reducing stress, increasing job satisfaction, and reducing absenteeism for New Brunswick health care workers was launched today.

Leaders and frontline staff from Vitalité and Horizon health networks and EM/ANB, gathered at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton for the official launch of the Recharjme cabins.

Recharjme cabins are a free, physical space that provides health care workers with a multisensory experience to recharge and support their psychological health and safety in the workplace. The cabins, which are available 24/7, are equipped with a vibrating and heating zero gravity chair, a light therapy lamp and audible relaxation programs.

“Our physicians and staff show up every day for our patients, caring for them at their most vulnerable in trauma, acute care and palliative care settings and helping them and their loved ones make difficult health care decisions,” said Gail Lebel, Horizon’s VP and Chief Human Resource Officer. “Providing our staff with the opportunity to rest, relax and recharge with the Recharjme cabins before, during or after a shift is part of our commitment to help reduce job stress and improve their overall workplace experience.”

“With these cabins, we are investing in the health and wellness of Vitalité Health Network’s most valuable resource, namely our employees. We are grateful for their work and will continue investing in their wellness so they can continue giving the best of themselves for the people of our province. I would like to thank the Government of New Brunswick for this support and thank our partners for their commitment to this project,” said Frédéric Finn, Vice President of Employee Experience, Vitalité Health Network.

“Our frontline staff are the beating heart of Ambulance New Brunswick, the Extra-Mural Program and NB Health Link,” says Karine Regnier, Wellness Coordinator for EM/ANB. “Our teams dedicate their careers to helping New Brunswickers every day, providing the valuable care our communities need, and we are proud to work with our health care partners to continue our investments in employee wellness. While our frontline staff take care of New Brunswickers, it’s our responsibility to take care of them.”

There are 19 Recharjme cabins in New Brunswick health facilities. Health care workers can book 25-minute sessions at any cabin. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) teams have developed cleaning instructions, which are available on the free Recharjme mobile app.

The soundproof cabins meet criteria from the provincial Fire Marshal to ensure fire alarms can be heard while in use.

This project is an extension of the Provincial Health Plan’s People Pillar strategy that aims to increase employee satisfaction, reduce absenteeism due to injury and illness, and reduce attrition.

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For more information contact:

Department of Health

Shawn Berry

Director of Communications

(506) 444-4583

Shawn.Berry@gnb.ca

Horizon Health Network

Kris McDavid

Media Relations

1-877-499-1899

media@horizonnb.ca