As nurses and midwives, we understand the importance of health and wellbeing to those we care for. But sometimes, we put our own health and wellbeing last. No matter what stressors we face in life, we need to make health, wellbeing and self-care a priority. The information on this page is designed to support this.
We offer a number of initiatives to promote health and wellbeing, including:
- onsite staff gyms at Footscray and Sunshine hospitals
- discounted health and fitness memberships through Fitness Passport
- the Western Health BUG (Bicycle Users Group) and secure bike storage facilities
We recognise both the excellence and challenges in our workplace through:
- our Inspire awards to acknowledge staff who foster a positive workplace and our values of compassion, accountability, respect, excellence and safety
- our annual celebration of both International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife
- our annual Nursing & Midwifery Excellence Awards
- our academic and educational nursing and midwifery awards that are bestowed annually to recognise excellence in our staff that are pursuing further learning
- a commitment to a Positive Workplace
- our EMPOWIR process to raise concerns about workplace behaviour
Details of Wellbeing and Support initiatives, information and resources are below:
- accessing leave and support to care for yourself or others
- peer support program
- promoting diversity and preventing discrimination
- prevention and management of bullying and harassment
- mindfulness
- self-care
- sleep
- managing stress and worry
- managing grief and loss
- building resilience
- nutrition and exercise
- support for family and domestic violence
- helpful resources
Because we’re all human and sometimes we all need an extra hand, some free and confidential services available to our nurses are midwives are also outlined below:
Helpful Contacts
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Employee Assistance Program
Western Health’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all Western Health staff, volunteers and their families to provide free professional support and assistance.
It can be accessed by phoning 1800 099 444 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
EAP can be used for getting assistance in managing a wide range or work related or family and personal issues that are affecting work performance or general well being.
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Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria
The Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria (NMHPV) is available to Victorian nurses, midwives and students to access free support and assistance.
The NMHPV is an independent and confidential support service for individual nurses, midwives and students experiencing health issues related to their mental health, substance use, family violence concerns and any other issue requiring support.
In addition, NMHPV supports health service leadership, managers and People & Culture personnel requiring information, advice and support for matters related to nurses and midwives experiencing any health or wellbeing concern.
If you have ever wondered what NMHPV offers, this webinar will answer your questions
If you need support, please call 9415 7551 between 8.30am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday or email [email protected] or visit www.nmhp.org.au
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Nurse and Midwife Health Program Australia
A new program designed to help Australia’s nurses and midwives deal with stress and burnout is offered by the Commonwealth.
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.
The Nurse and Midwife Health Program Australia is a free and confidential service for nurses, midwives and students designed to 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.
Nurses and midwives can contact the telehealth line (1800 001 060) and website 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.
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Nurse & Midwife Support
Nurse & Midwife Support is available 24/7 Australia wide on 1800 667 877 or visit www.nmsupport.org.au
It’s anonymous, confidential and free for nurses, midwives and students and anyone concerned about the welfare of a nurse or a midwife.
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Crisis Services
Please note, none of the above programs are a crisis service. Colleagues with serious and imminent concerns should contact their local service or call 000. In addition, anyone can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.