Healthy shot offered
Victoria’s hospital healthcare workers and ambulances services have been given a boost with the announcement of the wellbeing support program to support them in delivering the high-quality care Victorians deserve.
Health Minister Martin Foley last week announced a $32 million package supporting our dedicated healthcare workers will be fast tracked — offering a range of mental health initiatives and practical supports, for them and their families. Many of our healthcare workers — who we all depend on — are exhausted after more than 20 months of sustained pressure across the system due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Extensive workforce wellbeing programs will be set up by all Health Services and Ambulance Victoria to support the health, safety and wellbeing of the workforce, which is expected to be further tested as restrictions ease, with modelling suggesting daily cases will remain in the thousands for some time.
The statewide program will support a range of psychological and psychosocial initiatives to be implemented in consultation with staff.
These initiatives may include psychologists and counsellors on site to provide proactive support to workers, coaching for staff in new leadership roles, additional workplace rest and recovery spaces, meal delivery to support convenient healthy eating during and after work hours, or programs to better support families.
Mr Foley said the government was delivering a record investment to support metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria frontline healthcare staff as they work to minimise COVID-19 hospital admissions and roll out Victoria’s Roadmap to Delivering the National Plan.