The Australian Government is supporting our country’s health workforce, with a new program designed to help Australia’s nurses and midwives deal with stress and burnout.
Over the last few years Australia’s health workers have been put under immense pressure supporting the community through a once in a century pandemic. In a recent survey 7 out of 10 frontline health workers reported symptoms of severe or moderate burnout.
Labor is now delivering on an election commitment by providing $25.2 million for the ground breaking Nurse and Midwife Health Program Australia. The free and confidential service for nurses, midwives and students will help them better manage and reduce escalating rates of fatigue, stress and burnout. People accessing these services will speak to nurses and midwives who understand their issues and can provide support. The program will work towards ensuring that nurses and midwives stay in the health workforce.
The first phase of the service is a telehealth line (1800 001 060) and website is already up and running, with nurses able to access advice and referrals when needed.
The next phase is a rollout of four in-person hubs to cover Victoria and Tasmania, New South Wales and the ACT, South Australia and Western Australia, and Queensland and the Northern Territory, as well as additional regional offices. These services will offer both face-to-face and telehealth services.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care
Ged Kearney MP:
“Australia’s health care system is powered by the sweat, hearts and expertise of nurses and midwives – it’s vital that we look after the health and wellbeing of the people who look after us.
“As a former nurse, I understand just how challenging nursing and midwifery can be. They’re physically demanding and psychologically taxing jobs. This program is long overdue.
“The Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia will support our nurses and midwives through tough times, offering independent advice, support and information.
“Importantly, the people answering calls and engaging with people seeking help are themselves nurses and midwives. They know the issues and challenges and know what people are going through – I wish I had it back in my day”.
