Staff working on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital can take short power naps during their breaks following the installation of a specialist rest pod.

The futuristic-looking rest space allows staff working on the unit at the Oxford hospital, run by Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), to recharge during their breaks, or before or after intense or busy shifts. It comes after the successful installation of rest pods and chairs in the Emergency Departments at the John Radcliffe and Banbury-based Horton General Hospital last year.

The 'EnergyPod' is specifically designed for power napping, enabling staff to rest for a limited, specified amount of time, helping staff to recuperate and continue providing the best possible care to patients.

Dr Jacinta Cordwell, Principal Clinical Psychologist at OUH, said: "We know that people work best when they are rested. For our clinicians it is important that they have the opportunity to take breaks and feel refreshed, so that they can provide the best and safest care possible to our youngest patients.

"Rests of just 15-20 minutes can help reduce the impact of tiredness, helping people to function better. This pod will provide the opportunity and space for staff to rest, helping to boost their health and wellbeing, and enabling them to feel re-energised for their remaining shift ahead."

The rest pod was funded by NHS England's South East Wellbeing Board following a successful funding application as part of their innovative ideas project, and is set to benefit more than 250 staff.