Table 3.

Informal support networks (n=194)

Existing groups in place (n=4)	“I set up a group for the new people that started around the same time in ICU.” (ID254) “We have always had a good support network with messaging.” (ID217)
None (n=7)	“None.” (ID259) “Not really. We just talk to each other about difficult things/times.” (ID16)
Daily video/phone calls/emails (n=6)	“Daily phone calls to my team plus WhatsApp group.” (ID92) “I have set up a WhatsApp group for my team who are redeployed to the ward for support and also I have made an unused room in my now empty clinic room into a ‘wobble room’ where the staff can rest and try and gather their thoughts. It has lots of tissues, soft music, coffee and love.” (ID81)
Safe spaces (n=4)	“We have a wobble room on the ward where we can go if we feel stressed.” (ID80) “Using our ward day room as a ‘NOVID room’ to allow better social distancing & promote wellbeing.” (ID91)
Team meetings/conversations/briefings (n=16)	“As a team we hold huddles to discuss how we are feeling. As a manager I have ensured we take walking breaks every day and have asked everyone to have at least two annual leave days each month to step away from work.” (ID102) “As the team leader I have spoken with the team individually and tried to address issues.” (ID190) “We have a health check huddle at 11–1130. It allows a debrief and update. Support staff struggling with pts/relatives.” (ID265) “regular team meetings, huddles and team working.” (ID87)
Social media: WhatsApp/SMS (short message service) message group/Teams (n=78)	“Lots of WhatsApp groups and work does Microsoft teams for important stuff.” (ID68) “Support and wellbeing on TEAMS.” (ID113) “What’s app group for those of us who were redeployed to the original covid ward. Private ward Facebook page (no information out on there, just messages of support) Emails, safety brief talks with team.” (ID262) “Zoom meeting/chat ensuring we stop for lunch & a catch up.” (ID130) “Yes via google hangouts.” (ID133) “Social media page for staff in my area to communicate and express any concerns.” (ID56) “Wellbeing closed Facebook group for staff.” (ID42)
Providing support to others/checking in with colleagues/buddy system (n=18)	“We have two ‘buddies’ on the ward area we can chat with, but as a whole workplace we are supporting ourselves and talking, no support from seniors had come through.” (ID23) “I have provided my telephone number to a couple of nurses who have been struggling, one with anxiety about coming to work and the other who has lost a very close friend and colleague to Covid virus.” (ID140) “Just linked in with two colleagues all junior doctors were provided with a consultant mentor and although part of that team I was not allocated. Highlighted to general manager but not seen as a priority. Despite delivering majority of bad news over phone on frequent basis to relatives.” (ID264) “Nothing formal just peer support.” (ID197) “We have a socially distanced glass of wine/gin on a Thursday evening - great to unwind and for morale.” (ID43)
Psychological support/volunteer support (n=3)	“We have an in house clinical psychologist for COPD patients. They have provided weekly videos about relaxation and mindfulness and offered confidential 1 to 1 sessions with all staff on the respiratory unit.” (ID270) “Yes we have a group that support our colleagues such as bereavement, volunteer works shopping and delivery of food.” (ID59)

An additional 58 participants stated that ‘no’ they had not set up any informal groups.

COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; ICU, intensive care unit.