This message has been sent to all NSW Health employees
Dear colleagues,
The severe weather and flooding impacting many communities across the state is heartbreaking, with the Mid North Coast and Hunter New England Local Health Districts particularly affected.
Despite the significant personal and professional impacts from this natural disaster for our people in affected areas, our staff have shown tremendous resilience to care for their communities.
The compassion and commitment you continue to demonstrate is phenomenal – whether that’s working in a hospital or a helicopter, operating remotely, taking care of colleagues, or caring for the community from an evacuation center.
I know many of you are continuing to support others while managing your own losses or disruptions, and that is nothing short of extraordinary.
On behalf of NSW Health and the people we serve, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you for all you are doing in such difficult circumstances.
To support the fantastic efforts of our workers in the affected areas, the State Health Emergency Operations Centre (SHEOC) has been stood up. It is working closely with a huge number of teams across NSW Health including NSW Ambulance, Healthshare NSW, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, NSW Health Pathology, along with other agencies such as Primary Health Networks, Aboriginal Medical Service teams, and other community health partners.
In situations like these, there are understandably going to be disruptions and logistical challenges, so it is a huge testament to everyone involved that all our health facilities currently remain open in impacted areas and, despite disruptions to some services, are continuing to care for their communities.
Along with caring for your communities and colleagues, please look after yourself too.
NSW Health offers dedicated support to staff and their families via the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). It is free, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Details on how to access EAP are on your local intranet. Additional mental health resources and support can also be found on the NSW Health website.
To all our people living and working in the affected areas, please stay safe and know your NSW Health colleagues will continue to support you and your communities in every way we can as we continue to respond to the devastating impacts of these floods.
Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health
