Dear colleagues,

You only need to notice the news reporting around COVID-19 to become aware of the huge impact being felt in our community in the psychological wellbeing space. With my new role as executive lead for wellbeing I find myself drawn to new data and stories about healthy workplaces and staff wellbeing. Sadly, last Monday, lifeline reported the largest number of calls for support in the history of the service.

I hope in Metro North we all realise wellbeing is a priority, but in the context of COVID-19 it is paramount. We need to be focused on looking after ourselves (“Am I OK?”) and on looking after each other (“RUOK?”). Please ask the question in earnest at your workplace and reach out to colleagues working from home and those currently in quarantine. Ask the question and be ready to guide them to the numerous staff support processes that exist in Metro North (please see below). Regularly check in with yourself as well, ask the same question and be familiar with the workplace support processes.

Our personal values and our workplace values are important in helping us find meaning at work. They represent the chosen directions our lives are lived by and are particularly important in helping us navigate through difficult times. One I’d like to focus on at present is compassion. Drew Craker, one of our talented Metro North staff psychologists, reminded me this week that there are various elements to compassion including compassion towards our patients and care participants, there is compassion towards our colleagues, and there is compassion towards ourselves. I ask you to reflect on all three levels. Be aware this can be a time of suffering (anger, frustration, sadness, worry) for yourself, acknowledge this as OK, and think about what would help you in the moment. Be kind and compassionate towards colleagues. We don’t need to tolerate bad behaviour but we need to learn to understand where it may be coming from (eg fear, frustration).

Below I have listed the numerous supports that exist for staff and how to access them as needed, and if none of them work for you I am happy to take a call on 3647 9526.

Hoping you can make it a good week.

Regards,

Mark

Metro North information

Staff Wellness Portal | Metro North Hospital and Health Service

COVID-19 – Extranet (health.qld.gov.au)

Each other (collegiate support – based on understanding)

Peers Responders programs – across all Metro North facilities
Peer Responder Program Metro North (health.qld.gov.au)

RUOK – training and resources
R U OK | News | Metro North HHS (health.qld.gov.au)

Staff Psychology services – MNStaffPsychology@health.qld.gov.au, (07)3647 9673

Employee Assistance program (currently Benestar)
Employee assistance program | Metro North HHS (health.qld.gov.au) –1300 360 364

GP – for referral to private psychology services

Beyond Blue – Covid support number 1800 512 348
Supporting you through the Coronavirus pandemic – Beyond Blue

Lifeline
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 – Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention

Benestar is holding a staff virtual self care session on Monday 9 August from 10-10.30am. Join the meeting

This is the info about the Benestar session on Monday:

• Brief psychological education on brain/body stress response during this difficult time
• Purposeful steps and strategies we can take as individuals and teams to maintain emotional wellness and to mitigate stress response
• Benestar support and resources that are available – how to access.