Health worker alternative accommodation initiative welcomed
The Victorian nurses and midwives union has welcomed the Andrews Government’s alternative accommodation initiative for healthcare workers who have tested positive or need to self-isolate for 14 days.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch) has been working with the Andrews Government and the Department of Health and Human Services on the initiative of alternative accommodation to protect their families and households.
ANMF (Vic Branch) Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said ‘Nurses, midwives and carers are among the healthcare frontline workers and professionals who are most at risk.
‘These are extremely challenging times for Victoria’s more than 100,000 nurses and midwives and their health services as they prepare for a surge in COVID-19 patients.
‘Some of our members have advised us that they are worried about sharing a home with families and house mates in the event they have to isolate.
‘This alternative accommodation initiative removes the worry of how to protect family members, finding and paying for somewhere else to live when healthcare workers are most at risk of bringing COVID-19 home and lets them focus on caring for the Victorian community.
‘The ANMF also thanks health services who have already been assisting their workforce at a local level with their accommodation needs,’ Ms Fitzpatrick said.
ANMF continues to encourage everyone who can to stay at home to minimise the COVID-19 much anticipated surge demand on our hospitals and our healthcare workers.
ANMF (Vic Branch Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick will be
