Schwartz Rounds

For Sherwood Forest Hospitals colleagues only.

Schwartz Rounds are for colleagues of Sherwood Forest Hospitals including Skanska and Medirest. Patients or members of the public are unable to attend these sessions.

These sessions help to:

Reduce stress - Staff who regularly attend Schwartz Rounds feel less stressed and isolated at work.
Regulate emotions - Listening to colleagues, both clinical and non-clinical, describe the challenges of their work helps to regulate emotions, which are part and parcel of working in healthcare but are often kept under the surface.
Improve communication - Evidence shows that Schwartz Rounds reduce professional hierarchies and improves communication between colleagues.

What is a Schwartz Round?

A session ran by our trained facilitators available for all colleagues to join. A round has two to three storytellers or panellists that tell a five minute story each of a particular time or event that affected. The stories would have a similar theme, such as a colleague I will never forget, a patient I will never forget etc.

Following the stories, facilitators encourage reflections from the group who attend. This is not about problem solving which might be different from similar things you have attended before. It is more an opportunity for people to share their experiences and for people to listen.

Interested in a round for your team at Sherwood Forest, we can deliver a round on the topic of your choosing. But we ask for support to identify story tellers. If you are interested please contact a facilitator on sfh-tr.wellbeing@nhs.net

The best way to understand a Schwartz round is to watch this shortened Schwartz round video.

View a poster to print and promote in your area (opens in new window).

Frequently asked questions

How long are the sessions?

About 1 hour.

Will there be food?

You're welcome to bring your lunch and a drink if you wish. Food is not provided.

What will I need to do?

Just come and listen. Only share your reflections if you wish. There is time after if you want to talk or have questions.

What about CPD?

You will get a certificate for your portfolio following the round.

Quotes from attendees

"I thought the Schwartz Round was eye opening and a great experience to be involved in. I will definitely attend another one, it is a good learning and listening event to be a part of and it gives you time out to reflect.”

“Such an amazing Round. I felt safe and supported throughout. I felt I could talk freely without judgement and interruption. It was so valuable to hear others’ experiences and feelings.”

“We could use more of such sessions to help us feel better about the work we are doing and need to improve.”