Published on 13 May 2022
There has been renewed focus on moral fatigue and burnout in the media.
Senior Specialist in Emergency Medicine Dr Stephen Parnis, who works across two public hospitals in Melbourne and was the former President of the Australian Medical Association, has publicly declared he is taking three months off to practice self-care.
“It’s tough to admit, but my battery is running low. Burnout is real, and it’s insidious,” Dr Parnis said.
“I can no longer ignore the advice of my family, wise colleagues and my trusted GP, so my break from clinical work will be for a few months.
“I hate that I need to do this, but I hope that time to rest, reflect & recharge will see me back & able to lead when the time is right.”
We know from our recent Pulse Survey that some of our staff may be experiencing burnout, or would like to understand more about it, which is why we have created a guide to burnout on the Westerly, including how to prevent or reduce it.
You can also find details about the professional, confidential and free support available to all staff and volunteers, and self-care advice on the Westerly.
Westie Wind Down
If you would like to feature in the Westie Wind Down, or, to nominate a colleague, please email the Wellbeing Team: wellbeingsupport@wh.org.au
What does wellbeing look like at Western Health?
Introducing one of our newest team members, Elizabeth Darcy, who shares her perspective on how Western Health looks after its employees and how her new role will contribute to improving staff wellbeing.
Our award-winning teams talk about their projects
Innovative projects designed to protect and promote the safety and wellbeing of staff were recently singled out for excellence.
Western Health won two WorkSafe Victoria Awards for two projects to protect staff from airborne viruses and to reduce mental injury in the workplace.
You can watch Western Health staff explain the award-winning initiative: ‘Commitment to Prevention of Mental Injury in the Workplace’ award – Western Health.
Or, listen to the team behind the ‘McMonty’ isolation hood, designed by A/Prof Forbes McGain in collaboration with the University of Melbourne talk about the innovation that kept patients and staff safe during the pandemic. They won ‘Workplace Health & Safety Solution of the Year’ award – Western Health (joint winners with the University of Melbourne).
In case you missed it, here is CEO Russell Harrison’s recent bulletin about the incredible achievement.
Kind regards,
Suellen Bruce
On behalf of the Executive Team