World Trauma Day is marked annually on 17 October, and Helderberg Hospital in Somerset West shone the spotlight on raising awareness of trauma and promoting healing and wellbeing.

The Somerset West medical facility marked the crucial annual awareness event on Friday 16 October, with a dedicated programme aimed at raising awareness of trauma and its far-reaching impact on individuals, families, communities and healthcare workers. The event brought together healthcare professionals, support staff and community members to encourage learning, reflection and meaningful discussion on trauma, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

Trauma can affect a person’s mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, influencing relationships, daily functioning and overall quality of life. Healthcare workers and support staff are often exposed to traumatic situations through their work, which can have a cumulative impact on their own wellbeing. Trauma Day provided an opportunity to recognise these challenges and equip participants with practical tools to support their mental health and resilience. The programme featured presentations and discussions on topics including alcohol-related harm, the emotional impact of frontline healthcare work and the effects of trauma on both clinical and non-clinical staff. Team-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and resuscitation skills challenges also formed part of the day’s activities, promoting teamwork and preparedness in emergency situations.

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Space for reflection

Dr Michelle Allen, head of Emergency Services at Helderberg Hospital, said the event created an important space for reflection and support.

“Trauma affects far more than the individual. Its impact extends to families, communities and the healthcare workers who provide care every day. Trauma Day encouraged open conversations about these experiences while providing practical strategies to support resilience and wellbeing. By investing in the emotional health of our staff, we strengthen our ability to provide compassionate, patient-centred care.”

The Helderberg Hospital Board supported initiatives that foster a safe and supportive environment where mental health and trauma can be discussed openly and where staff feel empowered to seek assistance when needed.

“Trauma is a reality for many people, both within our communities and within the healthcare environment. It is important that we create opportunities for education, support and healing. Trauma Day reminded us that seeking help is a sign of strength and that we all have a role to play in supporting one another’s wellbeing,” said Steven Louw, a hospital board member.

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Culture of care

The event highlighted the importance of self-care, peer support and early intervention in reducing the long-term effects of trauma. Supporting the emotional wellbeing of healthcare workers and support staff remained essential to building a healthy, compassionate and resilient workplace culture.

Sharon Leo, chief executive officer of Helderberg Hospital, thanked the speakers, participants and organisers, and various sponsors involved in making Trauma Day possible and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to promoting wellness, compassion and resilience among staff and the broader community.

“The wellbeing of our staff is fundamental to the wellbeing of our patients and communities. Through initiatives such as Trauma Day, we continued to prioritise a culture of care, support and resilience across our hospital.”

“As the board, we do ward visits and see the impact of trauma on patients and staff. The ratio of compliments about this hospital outweighs the complaints. We give credit to all the staff, in particular to management. You can’t imagine how much everything you do is appreciated,” Louw said.