A wellbeing package has been launched to support Victorian healthcare workers who have been working tirelessly to care for the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Health, Martin Foley announced the package, which was developed in consultation with hospitals, clinicians, peak bodies, unions and academics.
Mr Foley said the package complemented additional measures to reduce healthcare worker infections and increased access to support.
“The package includes the development of a healthcare worker wellbeing centre,” Mr Foley said.
“The centre will identify best practice approaches to supporting staff fatigue and stress management, provide advice and training opportunities, and host resources through a web platform,” he said.
“The centre will support individual healthcare worker wellbeing, for clinical and non-clinical roles, across acute and community-based settings including hospitals, community health, aged care and primary care settings.”
Mr Foley said the package would also improve staff rest and recovery areas in health services facilities.
“An additional focus will be to increase access to specialist services and support that is tailored to individuals, teams and organisational needs,” the Minister said.
“Funding will be provided through a grants process for on-the-ground psychosocial support, peer training models and programs to support wellbeing in health services and registered community health services,” he said.
Mr Foley said the package included targeted support to identify and respond to family violence experienced by healthcare workers.
