Latrobe Valley frontline healthcare workers need our kindness

With Victoria’s latest surge in COVID-19, high case numbers and hospitalisations, healthcare workers need support. 

Latrobe Valley’s healthcare workers are currently working long shifts, caring for our most vulnerable community members and getting very little respite with what at times appears like no end in sight.

The Latrobe Health Assembly, in partnership with Latrobe Regional Hospital, Gippsland Primary Health Network, Latrobe Community Health Service and Maryvale Private Hospital, has developed a campaign to brighten up their day.

Called ‘Support a Healthcare Worker’, it is an online platform where community can show their appreciation by treating a healthcare worker to a free cuppa along with a kind message of support. 

Latrobe Health Assembly Chair Ms Tanya Rong said “we can’t change their workload, but we can brighten up their day with a free coffee from our community and a supportive message”. 

“Healthcare workers have been stretched to the limit over the last two years, working extended shifts in full PPE, and dealing with stressful situations on a daily basis,” Ms Rong said. “They are the heroes of the pandemic, but they need the morale boost and the Latrobe Valley community can help provide it.

“So, if you can, shout a healthcare worker a coffee or write a kind message of support and show our region’s healthcare workers how much we value their amazing contribution to the community.”

Gippsland PHN Acting Chief Executive, Angela Jacob, welcomed the campaign and said it was a way of thanking those health professionals in hospitals, health services and primary care.

“We can never repay them for their commitment to keeping our community safe however thank you goes a long way to showing how much they are appreciated,” Ms Jacob said.

‘Support a Healthcare Worker’ offers three options for our community to show its support: 

• Make a small financial donation to treat a healthcare worker to free cuppa. All donations will be spent at local cafes to ensure we support local businesses. 
• You can show your support to our healthcare workers for free by adding a message of support to our online noticeboard. 
• Commercial support is also welcomed by contacting us within the website. 

Please visit www.supportahealthcareworker.healthassembly.org.au today and show your support for the team supporting our community.