Code Lavender

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Code Lavender FAQs:

What is Code Lavender?

Code Lavender is a holistic rapid response to support staff experiencing high levels of stress, emotional distress, or trauma.

Who can call a Code Lavender?

Any Eastern Maine Medical Center staff member - inpatient or outpatient, at any of our locations can call for a Code Lavender when they feel it's needed.

When should a Code Lavender be called?

Code Lavender can be called in situations of high stress, emotional distress, traumatic incidents, bad news, or end-of-life decisions. It's meant to provide immediate, holistic support during difficult times - it does not necessarily need to be a "major event" - anything that affects staff members' feelings of physical or emotional well-being could be reason for a Code Lavender. Examples of situations when a Code Lavender might be called include, but are not limited to:
  • Traumatic patient death or injury
  • Workforce member assault
  • Workplace member illness or death
  • Abduction
  • Mass casualty
  • Safety/quality failure/adverse outcome
  • Community loss

How do I call a Code Lavender?

Any leader or staff member idenitfying a potential Code Lavender event will contact the operator to call a Code Lavender. The operator will contact the Code Lavender Coordinator and the Administrator On Call (AOC) with the information.

What happens when a Code Lavender is called?

A trained team of hospital staff respond as appropriate. The response may include:
  • Care Cart visits
  • Employee Assistance Program referral
  • Immediate coverage and support from your team
  • On-site spiritual care
  • Tea, coffee, and refreshments
  • Other items and activities to provide support

How quickly can we expect a response after calling a Code Lavender?

The program is designed to provide immediate support, typically within minutes of the call being made.

Is Code Lavender confidential?

The aim of Code Lavender is to provide a safe space for those in need as confidentially as possible. It will not be called over the intercom.

Does the Code Lavender program replace professional mental health services?

No, Code Lavender is designed to provide immediate support in times of high stress or emotional distress. It's not a replacement for long-term, professional mental health services.
 
Does the Code Lavender team provide follow-up support after the initial call?

Yes. Code Lavender provides an initial response, a follow up response, and a long-term response as appropriate.
  
  Initial Response options:
  • Open door for EAP support
  • Immediate leader rounding
  • Staff assessment for relief from duty
  • Availability of breaks with coverage
  • Coffee/tea/refreshments
  • Care cart support
  • On site spiritual care
  • Security response
  • Peer support

  Follow Up Response options:
  • Schedule critical incident stress debriefing 48-72 hours following event
  • Visual cues that an event has occurred
  • EAP support
  • Scheduled onsite individual support via spiritual care, social services, Acadia resources, EAP)
  • Supportive literature
  • Scheduled pet/art/music therapy, Reiki therapy, guided meditation
  • Scheduled town hall/group listening sessions
  • Scheduled Serenity Lounge
  • Mobile Zen space
  • Leader to staff individual discussions

  Long-term Response options:
  • Physical changes to the area
  • Law enforcement involvement
  • Ethics consult
  • Memorial services
  • Hand off to long term counseling
  • Long term peer support/mentoring/targeted peer support

How is the Code Lavender Response Team trained?

All Code Lavender Response Team members receive annual training to ensure program effectiveness. Additionally, all hospital leaders will be trained annually to educte on available resources, and all new leaders will educated as part of onbarding about the importance of holistic support for our workforce and their roles as leaders.

How does the Code Lavender program benefit Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center? 

Hospitals benefit greatly from Code Lavender programs. They can help reduce stress and burnout amongst staff, improve patient satisfaction, and foster a culture of caring.