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Dignity Project receives national recognition with John Coppock Pharmacist Wellbeing Award

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In December 2022, the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Pharmacy Department introduced the Dignity Project, designed to support staff through personal health challenges at work. Led by pharmacist Marika Castrisios, the initiative followed Marika’s personal experience of suffering a traumatic miscarriage at work.

A successful pilot program

Marika, the dignity project lead, holding one of the dignity cupboards.
Marika, the dignity project lead, holding one of the dignity cupboards.
Recognising a need for better support and resources, Marika and her project team advocated for the installation of dignity cupboards or tubs in both men’s and women’s toilets at the RHH. The program involves education, development of local protocols and guidelines, and the provision of sanitary products for staff facing challenges such as pregnancy loss, menstruation, and incontinence. 
 
With a dahlia flower as a symbol, which represents inner strength and dignity, the cupboards ensure that everyone has discreet access to essential resources.
 
Since the installation of the first Dignity collection in December 2022, the feedback from pharmacy staff has been overwhelmingly positive. One staff member expressed, “It has greatly reduced the stress and anxiety that comes with working during the menstrual cycle”. 
 
Others noted that the project provided much-needed comfort during difficult times: “With two previous miscarriages that have occurred in our toilets (…) it’s nice knowing there is a dignity pack in hands’ reach with much needed supplies to give our staff some comfort.”
“I’ve unfortunately had a miscarriage in the workplace before. I wish that they had something like this when it happened to me, because I doubt I would have felt as embarrassed.” - Feedback received following the installation of the cupboards.
Today, on Pregnant and Infant Loss Remembrance Awareness Day, we acknowledge the importance of this initiative in supporting staff through such deeply personal experiences.

National recognition and future expansion

Dignity cupboard
The dignity cupboard.

The positive impact of the Dignity Project has not gone unnoticed. This week, it was named the winner of the inaugural John Coppock Pharmacist Wellbeing Award by the Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS). 

The national award recognises initiatives that contribute to the wellbeing of pharmacists and their teams, and the judges praised the Dignity Project for being “innovative, impactful, and engaging with the team, and has demonstrated through feedback that it has achieved a positive outcome for everyone involved.”

“It’s not just about pads and tampons" -- Marika, Dignity Project Lead
The reach of the project continues to grow, and dignity cupboards have been introduced into other hospital departments, with a plan to expand the project across the Tasmanian Health Service. “This award has had a deeper impact than I thought it would, especially outside of pharmacy,” Marika said. 
 
The project is part of a cultural shift towards greater empathy and openness around reproductive health and personal wellbeing in the workplace and in the community. Marika said: "There needs to be a recognition of the emotional toll miscarriage takes and a cultural change around reproductive health.”

Where to access support

A photo of the dahlia flower.
The dahlia flower, a symbol of inner strength and dignity.

We understand that this topic may have an emotional impact, and support is available if you need it. 

For emotional support, you can reach out to:
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Griefline: 1300 845 745 (8am-8pm)

Please don’t hesitate to seek assistance if you need someone to talk to.