Published on 27 May 2022
Dear colleagues,
A reminder that next Friday 3 June is Crazy Socks Day.
As many of you will already be aware, Crazy Socks 4 Docs was started several years ago by Dr Geoff Toogood in an attempt to address the stigma around mental health in doctors.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that all health professionals are at risk of facing poor mental health, and burnout is rising across all areas of the healthcare system.
This year, more than ever, it is important for all of us to remove the stigma around mental health and acknowledge the challenges we are currently facing working in healthcare.
Whilst we are celebrating Crazy Socks Day on Friday, we all have a responsibility to continue to address – with our colleagues, our peers and those around us – the importance of protecting and maintaining our wellbeing every day.
Next week, we’ll be sharing a series of short videos with me in conversation with colleagues about what we can do to better support mental health and wellbeing in our staff.
Russell Harrison and I will be doing a walk around at Sunshine Hospital next Friday and we’ll mark the day with cookies and coffee vouchers at all sites as well.
Please remember to get your crazy colourful socks ready for next Friday, strike a pose with your colleagues and get your picture taken by our roving photographers to be in the running for some prizes.
Finally, a reminder to everyone that if you or your colleagues are ever feeling distressed or in need of support, please visit our intranet for health and wellbeing resources including contact information for Caraniche at Work, Western Health’s Employee Assistance Program that provides a free and confidential counselling service for staff.
Kind regards
Abi
Dr Abi Arul
Acting Chief Medical Officer