Carers given the chance to revitalise

SIX staff members from St John of God Hospital in Berwick were among a group given special treatment, including tai chi, music therapy and meditation, at the first in a series of ‘caregiver wellness days’.
Brendan Eagan, St John of God director of mission, devised the special days being held at the sisters of St John of God beach house, Mornington, one of two properties housing nuns of the religious order.
Mr Eagan said the idea was to provide caregivers with an opportunity to take paid time out from work for a day of quality reflection and relaxation, and to recharge and revitalise.
“The day is an expression of St John of God Hospital’s commitment to helping caregivers to develop a healthy worklife balance,” he said.
“It is also an opportunity to show our appreciation for their hard work and commitment to providing quality health care.
“One of the most popular sessions, guided music imagery, was conducted by St John of God nun, therapist and psychologist Sister Florence Holligan.
Sister Florence, a trained nurse who has a background in psychiatry, spent many years treating psychiatric patients in public and private hospitals.
She moved out of hospital work in 1995 and studied to become a music therapist, and said when people didn’t have the energy for anything else they could still relate to music.
Sister Florence has worked for 10 years in private practice at East Bentleigh, using music as psychotherapy.