Echuca Regional Health occupational health and safety specialist Kim Lord, people, culture and safety director India-Rose Hutchinson and finance and corporate services director Robyn Rudge were among the health service staff marking R U OK? Day. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Nationwide, important conversations about mental health were at the forefront on Thursday, September 11, for R U OK? Day.
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Echuca Regional Health marked the occasion with a morning tea and care packages for staff throughout the day.
For people, culture and safety executive director India-Rose Hutchinson, the event provides a good setting to ask the question.
“Our message for today around R U OK? is (that) you don't have to be trained in how to answer or solve someone's questions,” she said.
“It is just about actually showing them that you're there to support them by asking if they are okay and listening.”
Staff enjoyed a morning tea and were treated to lucky door prizes for R U OK? Day.
As a 24-hour operating service, the ERH crew ensured all staff were cared and catered for across the day.
Those around in the morning were treated to a spread from the kitchen services team, also putting together prepared packs for afternoon and night shift staff.
Being the health provider for a population of more than 50,000 people, Ms Hutchinson emphasised the need to ensure a supported staff.
“Without a healthy and sustainable workforce, we can’t provide the care that we need to our patients,” she said.
“So, to best serve our community, our staff need to be our absolute priority and their wellbeing is at the top of the list.”
Tegan Franklin, Bridget Colakidis, Kerry Schroder and Sue Milgate.
Checking in on the mental health of patients and their visitors is another important role for ERH.
Occupational health and safety specialist Kim Lord said ERH had provided extra opportunities for these conversations in the spirit of R U OK? Day.
“For the last 10 days, we’ve actually had (signage) down the corridors and on boards,” she said.
“It’s not just about staff, it’s about our patients, their visitors, their family.
“It’s enough for a little conversation about what is really quite a heavy topic.”
India-Rose Hutchinson speaks to staff about the importance of checking in and listening to colleagues, family and loved ones.
At ERH, there is support in place for staff whose answers to ‘R U OK?’ are not a ‘yes’.
This includes their employee assistance program, providing three free counselling sessions and further discounted support.
“We have them available in instant messaging, face-to-face and telehealth,” Ms Hutchinson said.
“There’s even a texting system where you can just say, ‘I’m not doing okay’, and someone will text you back.
“That’s a really great resource to have.”
Joy Carlisle-Graham, Carly Sutton, Chelsea Nevin, Bianca Fleming and Jess Adeles.
The emergency department remains an important support system for members of the community in crisis, whether it be their mental or physical health.
To access ongoing ERH counselling programs, patients need a doctors’ referral.
Youth service headspace Echuca accepts walk-ins for 12 to 25-year-olds.
For crisis support or if you know someone who is struggling, phone Lifeline on 131 114 or visit lifeline.org.au; Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au; Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au; or headspace on 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au; or 13YARN on 139 276.
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