The traditional nursing traits of care and calm have brought support and reassurance to members of the Maroondah community during a time of great uncertainty.
As we celebrate International Nurses Day 2020 on 12 May, we are reminded of how important nurses are in protecting the health of those in our community, especially to those who are most vulnerable.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Marijke Graham, said a record uptake of influenza vaccinations from the community had seen Council immunisation nurses at the community frontline of patient care.
“Nurses play a crucial role across the patient care spectrum. Our immunisation nurses are among frontline health care workers who are working hard to ensure our community can receive timely flu vaccinations,” Cr Graham said.
“Given the coverage around the coronavirus pandemic, many people are coming to immunisation sessions in an anxious state. The traditional nursing traits of care and calm have brought support and reassurance,” she said.
“The world has changed, but the core of what nurses do has not. Our daily lives have been upended, but our nurses stand up, show up and give patients the compassion and care they need,” Cr Graham added.
During this time of unprecedented challenges due to the coronavirus, Council has put systems in place to ensure the ongoing delivery of essential services, including immunisation and Maternal and Child Health.
“The contribution of our nurses who go about their daily job in the face of this pandemic has brought about a newfound respect and awareness for the work they do in keeping our community safe,” Cr Graham said.
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.
The theme for 2020: Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Nursing the World to Health, demonstrates how nurses are central to addressing a wide range of health challenges, and the true value of nurses to people around the world.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also designated 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.
“In the ‘Year of the Nurse’, we find ourselves depending on the resilience of nurses now more than ever. With challenges appearing daily, nurses continue to show up for society and deliver compassionate care with extraordinary skill. For that we are most grateful,” Cr Graham said.
Maternal and Child Health Nurses
As a proactive measure to lower the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community, Council has made some changes to our based on recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer and Federal and State governments.
Maternal and Child Health nurses are continuing to provide support and care for families through extensive use of video conferencing, over-the-phone support and face-to-face scheduled appointments for all babies up to four months of age. Parent requests for face-to-face appointments will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and if deemed necessary, will also be limited to 15 minutes to minimise physical contact.
“Council recognises these times can be anxious and overwhelming, especially for families who have just welcomed a new baby into their lives. Our MCH team are still here supporting families and babies at this important developmental stage,” Cr Graham said.
To support parents, MCH nurses are also offering virtual First Time Parent Groups, Breastfeeding support program and Early Parenting Program. A new Maroondah MCH Hotline (9294 7515) has also been launched for parents to call and speak to a nurse about any concerns or questions they have.
MCH nurses also offer additional information and guidance for families who may be experiencing difficulties, including referral advice for counselling support services.
