Elicia Freeman

Clinical Nursing Manager

NCert. (Anaesth)

Elicia Freeman, Registered Veterinary Nurse with 13 years' experience within the veterinary profession.

I have worked at West Midlands Referrals for six years where I have been able to pursue my passion for advanced anaesthesia and pain management. I achieved my certificate in anaesthesia in 2018 and with drive for clinical excellence and conscientious attitude I lead a team of 17 nurses with confidence.

As a Veterinary nurse and a supporter of having a balanced home and work - life, I decided I wanted to complete a course in mental health which would allow me to provide help and support to my colleagues when required and increase awareness about mental health and reducing stigma. In the veterinary profession there are many common occupational psychological risks that can contribute to mental health illness. These are; stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, moral distress, post-traumatic stress, perpetrator-induced traumatic stress, caregiver burden transfer, anxiety and depression and suicide. These risks make mental health illness four times more prevalent among veterinary team members.

After completing the MHFA course within Linnaeus I am now able to identify early signs of any of the above risks and other mental health illnesses, which allows effective early intervention. I am now able to offer colleagues with suitable advice and support, rather than just giving sympathy.

My team all know I have an "open door policy" to listen to them when they need someone to talk to and no judgement will be passed.

I have recently received feedback from a team member using the words "trigger points" in a return-to-work meeting can be perceived offensive when suffering with mental health illness. As a practice we have chosen to amend the wording on the return-to-work document to prevent colleagues feeling anxious about their absence.

At West Midlands Referrals we have posters around the practice advertising our employee assistance program (EAP) and names of our mental health first aiders.