Nurses and midwifes will have access to peer support and telehealth services through a new program.
In response to a recent survey which found 7 out of 10 frontline health workers were suffering from stress and burnout, the Federal Government has established the Nurse and Midwife Health Program.
The $25 million initiative will deliver free and confidential service for nurses, midwives and students to help them better manage and reduce escalating rates of fatigue, stress and burnout.
Federal Health Minister Ged Kearney said people accessing the services would speak to nurses and midwives who understood their issues and could provide support.
“The program will work towards ensuring that nurses and midwives stay in the health workforce,” Minister Kearney said.
The first phase of the service is a telehealth line (1800 001 060) and website, with nurses able to access advice and referrals when needed.
The next phase is a rollout of four in-person hubs to cover Victoria/Tasmania, New South Wales/ACT, South Australia/Western Australia, and Queensland/Northern Territory, as well as additional regional offices.
“These services will offer both face-to-face and telehealth services,” Minister Kearney said.