HARD-working staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital are getting the VIP treatment from flight crews with a new first class lounge.

Launched on Tuesday, Project Wingman has created the space for staff who want to get on-board and unwind with uniformed aviation staff.

Using their experience of working in stressful and pressured environments, grounded flight and cabin crew volunteers will serve refreshments and chat with their guests. Trained in 'compassionate listening' and stress reduction techniques, they can help them relax with a well-deserved drinks or snacks.

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Terry Roberts, Chief People Officer at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), said: “Project Wingman welcomes all OUH staff to visit for some refreshments and a unique opportunity to decompress, switch off, and be looked after by aircrew for the duration of their break.

“The aim is to support staff emotionally and practically, and to give them a much-needed treat in their working day. This initiative is just the ticket for our staff who might want or need an extra bit of support."

Oxford Mail:

He added: “Thank you to all the volunteers from the aviation industry who are using their time to help others.”

The lounge is hosted at the GPEC café on Level 3 of the John Radcliffe and will run every day. The refreshments have been funded by Oxford Hospitals Charity and provided by Carpenter Catering.

It is part of a national initiative set up by Professor Rob Bor, a Clinical Psychologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London, and two pilots, Dave Fielding and Emma Henderson.

Oxford Mail:

Ms Henderson said: “We founded Project Wingman as the airlines were starting to ground crew, to support NHS staff both emotionally and practically in extraordinary times.

“We wanted to provide as far as possible, a distraction from their primary role. This is accomplished by utilising uniformed airline crew with their amazing people skills, and having a shared experience of working in highly disciplined, regulated and stressful environments.

"We are delighted to be able to reach NHS staff in over 40 hospitals in the UK, and to have Oxford University Hospitals as part of the Project Wingman family.”