Amid the ongoing challenges faced by Australia’s healthcare workers, the Australian Government has introduced a new initiative aimed at assisting nurses and midwives in coping with stress and burnout.
With the healthcare sector grappling with the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, many frontline workers have reported symptoms of severe or moderate burnout. Recognising this critical issue, the government has allocated $25.2 million towards the Nurse and Midwife Health Program Australia.
This groundbreaking program offers a free and confidential service tailored to the needs of nurses, midwives and students. Its primary goal is to help individuals manage and alleviate the increasing levels of fatigue, stress and burnout prevalent within the profession.
The program provides access to support from fellow nurses and midwives who understand the unique challenges faced by healthcare workers. By offering guidance and assistance, the initiative aims to ensure the retention of nurses and midwives within the healthcare workforce.
The first phase of the program includes a telehealth line (1800 001 060) and a dedicated website, providing nurses with readily available advice and referrals.
In the subsequent phase, the program will establish four in-person hubs across different regions of Australia, along with additional regional offices. These hubs will offer both face-to-face and telehealth services, catering to the diverse needs of healthcare professionals nationwide.
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP, emphasised the importance of supporting nurses and midwives, acknowledging the physical and emotional toll of their roles. As a former nurse herself, Kearney emphasized the significance of this initiative in providing much-needed assistance to those in the healthcare sector.
“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,” Kearney said.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
