Barts Hearts is an online platform that allows NHS staff to send ‘hearts’ and messages of appreciation to colleagues. It gives staff the opportunity to be recognised for the amazing work they do day in, day out.
In 2023, we supported Barts Health NHS Trust with an £850,000 grant to support staff wellbeing, one of our key objectives. One area of work that this grant supported was the staff recognition platform: Barts Hearts.
This is making a real difference in helping staff feel valued, appreciated, and connected across the Trust.
Barts Hearts is an online platform that allows NHS staff to send ‘hearts’ and messages of appreciation to colleagues. It gives staff the opportunity to be recognised for the amazing work they do day in, day out – often in demanding circumstances. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or a major achievement, staff can celebrate each other in real time.
The programme was designed through listening to staff feedback, which highlighted the need for:
Staff who receive five hearts can choose a small gift, such as a hoody, wellness pack, or power bank.
In December 2024, Barts Health won Best Employer for Staff Recognition and Engagement at the prestigious 2024 Nursing Times Workforce Awards thanks to Barts Hearts.
NHS employers also featured the new peer-to-peer recognition programme in a case study.
“Barts Hearts has been a fantastic tool which allows staff to send messages of support to colleagues. Around a third of staff use the platform weekly and they have told us it helps boost morale and makes them feel recognised in their job.”Daniel Waldron, Group Director of People at Barts Health
Roy, a Medical Records Clerk, is one of the many staff members who’ve felt the positive impact of Barts Hearts.
“Barts Hearts is really amazing because we can share our happiness with our people. It’s the little things that count and make you smile.”
Healthcare Assistant Mohamad, who is based at Whipps Cross Hospital, is one of those who has received the most hearts.
He said: “For me, the platform really motivates you and it’s great to get feedback from colleagues that you are doing a good job. Then with the rewards, it is really special as it is a token of your good work and has the Barts Hearts logo so people know what you have got it for. I feel really valued and [it] makes me want to send hearts back in return.”
At Barts Charity, we support the motivation, recognition and wellbeing of staff at Barts Health NHS Trust. We’ve invested in different ways to support staff. This has included research to better understand ways that burnout can be reduced for our NHS colleagues.
Thanks to our funding, staff at NHS Barts Health hospitals are finding support for mental health and wellbeing through art therapy.
Remi Apata-Omisore is the Community Connector at the heart of the Social Prescribing programme, which offers practical advice and emotional support to those who have recently had heart surgery.
Your support helps staff to feel motivated, recognised and supported for their incredible work.
