For Crazy Socks of Docs Day 2022, Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Abi Arul held a series of conversations about prioritising our mental health and wellbeing with Western Health staff.

A reminder to everyone that if you or your colleagues are ever feeling distressed or in need of support, please visit the Westerly Wellbeing section, or, our intranet for health and wellbeing resources , which includes contact information for Caraniche at Work, Western Health’s Employee Assistance Program that provides a free and confidential counselling service for staff.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Nicki Murdock

Nicki shares some of the strategies she uses to manage her own mental health and wellbeing, and provides a personal reflection on just how important it is to reach out to someone who is struggling with their mental health.

Sally Brinkmann, Acting Director of Allied Health

Sally talks about some of the initiatives that the Allied Health Department put in place during the pandemic that helped build connections and a deeper understanding of the different ways in which team members had experienced the pandemic.

Dr Andy Tagg, Emergency Physician at Western Health

Andy talks about how we all experience peaks and troughs in life – particularly at the moment – and that none of us are invulnerable to low points. He encourages us to build connections with colleagues – your immediate team through to the person you buy your coffee from each morning – and to move beyond conversations that start with ‘How are you?’ and end with ‘Fine thanks’.