WNW PHN Offering Staff Counselling Support During COVID-19
Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) has announced it is seeking expressions of interest from private health service providers and health-related small businesses that require counselling support for their staff.
Open to eligible organisations across the WNSW PHN area, the offer of assistance is focused on helping individuals deal with the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic.
WNSW PHN CEO, Andrew Harvey, says “The region’s healthcare workers and organisations have been performing at an extraordinarily high standard throughout the COVID-19 pandemic response.”
“This offer of assistance will enable our smaller health organisations to provide a whole new level of support for their employees that they may not have the means to be able to otherwise,” Mr Harvey said.
Mr Harvey added, “the region’s healthcare professionals are true heroes, but they’re also just as susceptible to the very human emotions of stress and anxiety as the rest of us.”
Minister for Regional Health and Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, says “Regional health professionals are under additional pressure as they care for and provide services to our communities, and I urge them and their manager to keep in mind their own health and safety as they work through this pandemic.”
“Our regional health professionals continue to provide an essential service to our rural, regional and remote communities through COVID-19 and we need to ensure they remain well and healthy too.”
Organisations eligible to register include private health service providers and health-related small businesses that provide direct mainstream health services within the WNSW PHN region.
The support provided will include a 24-7 support line via secured video link, teleconferencing or phone, with up to 5 consultations per employee.
The initial support phase will be available for 3 months, with an option for WNSW PHN to extend the program, pending COVID-19 restrictions.
Please note, this is not an emergency counselling service. Those who are experiencing personal difficulties, or have concerns for a loved one, should seek help via existing services, including Lifeline, on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue, at beyondblue.org.au.
More information on eligibility and applications can be found on the WNSW PHN website, at wnswphn.org.au/procurement or by calling 1300 699 167.