The International Women's Day event hosted by The Trust Hospital this year holds significant meaning as the healthcare providers delved into the subtheme of "Nurturing Resilience; Empowering the Productivity of Our Heroines through Mental Health Care."

The selected theme aligned with the organization's dedication to providing holistic healthcare services that recognize the critical importance and impact of mental well-being, specifically for working-class women who constitute a substantial portion of their staff.

The event which took place on Friday, the 8th of March 2024, at the Trust Hospital Premium Centre saw about 94 staff members and about 10 guests from partner institutions such as ECG, ADB, and the TUCEE group.

The Trust Hospital's success is underpinned by the remarkable strength and dedication of its heroines, who make up the backbone of the organization's workforce. With approximately 60% of the staff being women, their well-being is of utmost importance to the overall growth and sustainability of the organization. This International Women's Day, the hospital celebrated the achievements of its heroines while also acknowledging the silent struggles they face in balancing family responsibilities with professional aspirations.

The guest speaker, Dr. Cecilia Tutu-Danquah, a counseling psychologist, lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon, and the founder of the TUCEE institution, delivered a speech on strategies for helping women build resilience and increase productivity.

Dr. Tutu-Danquah identified five key areas that can help women achieve these goals: Wellbeing, Personal Abilities, Coping Strategies, Productivity, and Contribution. She emphasized the importance of mental health as a crucial component of overall well-being, noting the need to prioritize mental wellness and incorporate it into one's holistic approach to health.

Dr. Tutu-Danquah emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between mind, body, and spirit and seeking help when necessary to live a fulfilling and happy life. During her session, she highlighted the significance of prioritizing one's mental health by releasing painful issues. In addition, she suggested the transformation of a standard dinner into a refined hotel-like experience, complete with music and beverages.

This approach could enhance the overall ambiance and create a more enjoyable dining experience. It is crucial to acknowledge the importance of self-care and to seek ways to improve one's well-being. She also emphasized the need to take on hobbies such as swimming, jogging, and dancing, to balance one’s mental health and the need to build trust for each other, etc.

Dr. Juliana Oye Ameh, CEO of The Trust Hospital, underscored the organization's commitment to supporting and empowering its female staff members in both their personal and professional lives.

Dr. Ameh stressed the responsibility of the organization to ensure that its heroines feel valued, appreciated, and equipped with the necessary tools to overcome the challenges they face. As such, The Trust Hospital strives to provide a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters growth and development for all staff members.

As part of its commitment to promoting mental health, The Trust Hospital has implemented an employee well-being program that provides all staff members - with a particular focus on women - access to high-quality mental health practitioners. This initiative is perceived as a crucial aspect of the hospital's success and long-term sustainability.

Moreover, the organization extends its efforts beyond the hospital's premises and works towards raising awareness about mental health in the broader community, as well as challenging social norms that stigmatize individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Dr. Juliana Oye Ameh has reiterated the commitment of the hospital to the welfare of the female employees of the hospital. She emphasizes that the hospital has implemented a wellness program, which is available to all staff members. The program seeks to provide support to employees within the organization, as well as to act as a catalyst for change in the broader community.

The hospital extends an invitation to all to celebrate the accomplishments of women worldwide and recognizes its responsibility to nurture resilience and enhance productivity by providing access to mental health care for the heroines who tirelessly contribute to the success and growth of businesses.

Speaking at the event also, was the Director of Nurses and Midwifery Services at The Trust Hospital, Mrs. Lilian Annan who also directed attention towards the often-overlooked facet of our lives: mental health. 

She said, “Amidst the ever-increasing responsibilities that come with working in the healthcare industry, it's easy to overlook one’s well-being. The dedication to tending to the needs of others can often overshadow the importance of taking care of one’s selves. Yet, the significance of mental health cannot be understated, impacting various facets of our lives, including relationships and work performance. Prioritizing mental health becomes not only intrinsic to our welfare but also fundamental to the quality of care bestowed upon our patients."

She added that the dialogue around mental health often carries unfavorable connotations in the public domain, associating it predominantly with severe conditions. As healthcare professionals, we recognize the broader spectrum of mental health concerns that can manifest. It is incumbent upon us to approach mental health with nuance, offering comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Stress, anxiety, depression, compassion fatigue, PTSD, eating disorders, and burnout are among the myriad challenges faced by those working in a hospital environment, demonstrating the diverse nature of mental health issues.

Achieving mental wellness and productivity requires a judicious approach. Safe multitasking, self-prioritization, and the acknowledgment of personal limits are essential. In the pursuit of balance, setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and embracing self-care practices become imperative. Recognizing the interconnectedness of mental wellness and productivity, these measures underscore the commitment to sustaining mental health.

Additionally, establishing a robust support system through peer groups or mentorship becomes pivotal. In conclusion, the emphasis on mental health within any professional domain is paramount for the well-being of women. Through adherence to these principles, we strive to cultivate resilience and elevate productivity as our hallmark. 

A session of panel discussion saw the various panelists sharing their individual stories and ideas on various questions asked, making the event an interactive one.

As the International Women's Day event came to an end at The Trust Premium Centre, attendees were welcomed to a space that appreciated their presence and contribution to the growth of the world and anticipated a future where mental well-being birthed productivity. Together, The Trust Hospital invites all to continue inspiring inclusion and expresses gratitude for the ongoing commitment to the well-being of its heroines.