In early April, healthcare staff from across Central Australia gathered in Alice Springs for a two-day workshop series led by Dr Claire McKie, a geriatrician and intern supervisor from Barwon Health, Victoria. Hosted by the NT Clinical Academy, the workshops focused on how emotion, compassion, and connection shape both patient care and staff well-being.

Why Feelings Matter in Clinical Work

Dr McKie opened the series with an intern session titled “The F Word” — where ‘F’ stood for feelings. She challenged the idea that emotions don’t belong in clinical settings, encouraging participants to view emotion as essential to compassionate, effective care.

Workshop #1: Compassion in Critical Care

The first workshop explored how clinicians respond to emotional stress in high-pressure roles. Around 20 participants discussed the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and team support in caring for patients — and each other. “We looked at how we show up at work and how our emotional state impacts others. Compassion is something we can learn and practice.”

Workshop #2: Creating a Healing Hub

On Friday morning, participants explored how hospital environments affect patients emotionally. “What patients want to feel is often what we want too. That really stayed with me.”

Key themes included:

• Designing safe, welcoming spaces

• Measuring success by how patients feel, not just clinical results

• Embedding compassion into everyday practice

Workshop #3: A Healing Hub for Staff

The final session turned inward: What do staff need to feel safe, respected and supported? Through group dialogue, participants mapped out the emotional foundations of a healthy workplace culture.

Connection Through Culture

The event closed with a shared meal and an evening visit to Parrtjima, the light festival celebrating Aboriginal art and storytelling — a fitting reminder of the role of culture and reflection in healing work.

Looking Ahead

Participants left inspired to bring emotional awareness into their everyday practice. One hundred per cent of attendees from Workshop #2 said they would recommend it to others — a sign that these conversations are both needed and welcomed.

Dr McKie’s sessions offered more than training — they encouraged staff to rethink care from the inside out. The question now: How do we want people — patients and staff — to feel in our healthcare system?