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What started as a thought in the back of social worker Faith’s mind is now making a real difference and helping some of the Women’s most vulnerable families.
It’s all thanks to Ideas Tank, an initiative where staff can pitch to have their ideas brought to life through funding from corporate and philanthropic donors.
Faith’s idea was to create a space that was especially warm and welcoming, almost home-like, where patients and families could feel safer and calmer during challenging conversations.
Lower lighting, soft furnishings, art on the walls, comfortable seating and fidget and kids’ toys are now in place - all designed to make the room feel less clinical, and more homely, for families working with social workers and psychologists.
“Staff feel more comfortable bringing their patients into an environment like this because it feels more inviting – even just the dimmer lighting can help people feel less overwhelmed,” she says.
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Bringing staff ideas to life
Faith’s idea was just one of many that was brought to life in last year’s round of Ideas Tank.
Each year, staff have the opportunity to submit ideas to improve experiences for their colleagues or patients and visitors.
Successful applicants then get five minutes to pitch to a panel of judges – much like the television show Shark Tank.
In 2026, 15 new projects will be funded by Ideas Tank, which was recently held at the Women’s.
Some of these initiatives include:
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Welcome packs for families coming from regional areas
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Memory-making and comfort resources, such as affirmation cards and ‘keepsake kits’ to help grieving families after a loss
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Sensory spaces and tools for neurodiverse patients.
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Tracey, Anna and Freya are all managers in Maternity Services who have been given resources to bring their ideas to life in 2026.
Nurse Unit Manager Tracey will be transforming a patient lounge in the antenatal ward from a waiting-room environment into a welcoming family room, complete with a TV and lounges.
Anna and Freya are using their funding for a three-year staff recognition program that invites midwives to nominate their peers for a monthly award.
“We are big believers in supporting our staff to be the best they can be for our women and families. If they’re happy coming to work and they feel valued, then that flows on to the care they provide,” Anna says.
“The funding we have received from Ideas Tank will keep the program going for another three years, which means we can really embed a culture of recognition within the service. It’s celebrating the everyday things our staff do, which really are exceptional.”
Thanks for the support from our generous corporate and philanthropic donors.
Health Professionals Bank/Teachers Mutual Bank – Corporate sponsor
The William Buckland Foundation – Philanthropic sponsor