As restrictions ease around the country, the future looks bleak for our nurses. Many of them are close to breaking point – one survey of 7,800 Australian healthcare workers found 40 per cent had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr Mike Freelander MP, Federal Member for Macarthur, has announced that a Federal Labor Government will extend health and wellbeing support for nurses across the country with a new National Nurse and Midwife Health Service.
“Our nurses have been dealing with the COVID crisis for more than two years – they are stressed, burned out and leaving the profession. They deserve our help, and I am proud to support this initiative which supports our frontline workers,” Dr Freelander said.
The new National Nurse and Midwife Health Service will provide nurses and midwives with a range of personalised and professional support services to help them manage burnout and stress.
It is estimated that one in five frontline workers, including nurses, are considering quitting their job because of the pandemic.
The program will be open to enrolled and registered nurses, midwives, and students.
Dr Freelander said that Labor will commit up to $23 million to the National Nurse and Midwife Health Service to keep nurses in the job and keep them caring for Australians.
“Labor will ensure these stalwarts of the pandemic get the help they need to stay in the profession and continue to provide invaluable to care the Australian people,” he said.
