Aria launches at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital to support staff mental wellbeing
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
Supporting the wellbeing of NHS staff has never been more important. Healthcare professionals work under immense pressure every day, often placing the needs of others ahead of their own. At Medstars, we believe that the people who care for patients deserve accessible, confidential and practical support for their own mental health.
That is why we are proud to have partnered with Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to roll out Aria, our digital mental wellbeing support platform designed specifically for healthcare environments.
Supporting the people behind the care
Aria is a confidential, secure and multilingual mental wellbeing support app that is available to staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The platform offers interactive support to help colleagues understand and navigate common challenges such as stress, anxiety and low mood.
Importantly, Aria has been designed to work alongside existing support pathways rather than replace them. The platform can integrate services such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and other staff mental health provisions, making it easier for staff to find and access the right support when they need it.
By bringing these resources together in one place, Aria helps remove barriers that can sometimes prevent healthcare workers from seeking help.
Designed by doctors who understand the NHS
Medstars was founded by NHS doctors who understand the realities of working within the health service. From shift patterns and workload pressures to the emotional demands of frontline care, the design of Aria reflects the everyday experiences of healthcare professionals.
The platform has been developed with NHS environments in mind and aligns closely with the ambitions set out in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, particularly around workforce wellbeing and preventative support.
Early engagement and positive feedback
Since its introduction at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Aria has seen high levels of engagement from staff, alongside positive feedback on the accessibility and usability of the platform.
By offering immediate and confidential support, Aria provides a simple way for colleagues to check in with their mental wellbeing, access guidance and connect with further support if needed.
Raffaela Goodby, Chief People Officer at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are delighted to be working with the Medstars team. Supporting the wellbeing of our colleagues is a priority for us, and Aria provides a confidential, secure and accessible way for staff to access mental health support whenever they need it."
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