The SOS box story so far
Follow the development, expansion and diversification headlines of the SOS box initiative
2018
Spring - early Summer : genesis of idea
Literature review
August: creation of four initial SOS boxes
August - October: installation in messes of three hospitals in Health Board (access to two aided by resident doctor colleagues)
Various posters created and circulated
Coordination of SOS box replenishment and regular recording of usage
Surveys launched
2019
Maintenance of SOS boxes across sites
Collection of survey data
Updated literature review
Concept, updates and toolkit to develop shared on social media
Presentation of SOS box data at European Physicians Health conference, Oslo
Featured interview in BMJ Summer 2019
‘Viral’ Twitter post
Initiative featured in the RCGP’s InnovAIT, AusDoc.com
Approach of MPs, AMs and SMP, discussions extending into 2021
Discussions with Health Education England leadership and Health Board leaders
Development of business card-style toolkit resource
2020
Launch of pan-SOS box delivery to every intensive care unit, emergency department, some Covid wards and the Dragon’s Heart field hospital during first pandemic wave (alongside too tired to travel home toiletry and sleep care boxes). Via donations and self-funding
Public sharing of ‘how to’ guide on social media resulting in establishment of de novo similar box schemes elsewhere
Realtime sharing of Covid project ‘story’ and detailed ‘how to’ on social media
Launch of public signatory letter to use for further lobbying
Updated literature review
Discussed as part of a BMJ wellbeing podcast episode focusing on the care and SOS boxes
Further stakeholder approaches and discussions: Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, Welsh and Northern Ireland CMOs, CNOs, Health Select Committee in Northern Ireland, MP submitted question for Westminster Health Secretary on my behalf. Approached and received informal support from the then HRH Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Creation of evidence based lobbying tools and briefs for the public, peers, employer leaders, MPs for my use and shared freely with others
Presentation of Covid care and SOS box distribution project at Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management’s annual conference
2021
Discussions with Cwm Taf Health Board staff wellbeing lead about Health Board-wide adoption of SOS boxes using my survey and cost/usage analysis, subsequently rolled out
Launch of another SOS box pilot in a large Paediatric/ED directorate for all healthcare staff - ran for 18 months - and survey. Introduction of incontinence products to box
Attempt to roll out Wales-wide survey through ABUHB organisational lead sponsorship and networking with peers in other Welsh NHS organisations - no responses
Care boxes sent out including SOS supplies across the UK in memory of healthcare workers who died due to Covid
Further lobbying of, and meetings with Health Board executives, national Deputy CMO, CNOs, national Public Health leaders (with a degree of focus on Wales), UN positions, celebrities known to support the NHS - informal support received from many
Extended offer to collaborate with period poverty charity, unanswered
Held supportive/enabling meetings with others now interested in period parity
Discussions with Freda regarding featuring the SOS boxes in future campaign
Discussions with Aneurin Bevan Health Board organisational development leaders and facilities lead about Health Board-wide adoption of SOS boxes using my survey and cost/usage analysis. Business case and financial projections possible due to survey data. Given grant for two years initially. Worked on implementation plans across sites: 84-120 boxes to be installed
Updated literature review
Launch of the SOS box outreach scheme: USB stick with modifiable posters, lobbying and business case materials, a fully stocked SOS box, and guides for expanding box scheme locally. Boxes sent out to Manchester, Yorkshire, Malta and more. Support given to Scottish Western Isles introduction
2022
Further work and installation of SOS boxes across ABUHB
Further contact regarding CTMUHB’s SOS box-like pan-site pilot evaluation
Bestowing of ABUHB’’s staff wellbeing award 2021-22
Ongoing SOS box replenishment with cost and use analysis
Included in further feature on period equity in BMJ and the Doctor magazine
Updated literature review
Championing others’ new period parity projects and campaigns
SOS box launch kit sent to Malta alongside support of Maltese junior doctors in their lobbying of employer adoption of SOS boxes
Medical Womens Federation Council vote to support initiative
Arrangement of gathering of critical friend feedback from select seminal leaders
2023
Presentation of SOS box research thus far at Medical Womens Federation conference
Follow-up with Health Board executive or senior leadership team members
Review of initiative progress, routes explored and external developments thus far, scoping of future direction, updated literature and evidence search
2024
Design of two year plan ahead
Updated and extended literature review
Establishment of wider research project to gather further evidence base, links with Queen Mary University of London forged
Updated SOS initiative summaries, evidence-based business case and lobbying documents completed
2025
Watch this space…
Launch to completion of UK-wide research study
Further lobbying of key stakeholders
International network of period parity healthcare worker champions expansion
Introduction of focus on primary care
