RUOK?DAY at Fremantle Hospital

Fremantle Hospital staff stepped out for RUOK?Day (Thursday 10 September) to raise awareness around the importance of reducing social stigma associated with Mental Health. Fifty staff walked to promote RUOK?DAY whilst also highlighting that walking is a great way to stay mentally healthy. It was the first time Fremantle Hospital recognised RUOK?DAY through physical activity.

Staff dressed in yellow and took part in one of the three oval walks, adjacent to the Hospital at 7.30am, 12 noon and 3pm. These times were inclusive of hospital staff working shifts. Staff commented how great the walks were, how much better they felt after the walks and how it was great to meet people from different service areas that they didn’t know before, all whilst being active.

End of trip facilities, e.g. showers, were promoted to staff prior to RUOK?DAY.

The walks were incorporated into the Fremantle Hospital ‘Yellow competition’ where staff were encouraged to dress in yellow, host a healthy ‘yellow’ staff morning or afternoon tea, decorate their service area and join in the RUOK?DAY walks. Staff then sent in their selfies to the staff wellness committee to be in the draw to win one of three tasty fruit hampers.

City of Fremantle staff were invited to join the Fremantle Hospital staff in the RUOK?DAY walks.

A big thank you goes to the City of Fremantle for the use of the oval and for lending their giant game of ‘Connect Four’ to the hospital for the day to encourage staff connection.