Staff Wellbeing at TMH
Working in Emergency Departments can be incredibly rewarding, but we understand it also brings frequent challenges. At Maitland Hospital, we deeply value the wellbeing of our staff, and recognize the importance of providing strong support, especially for those in training, to help manage and process the difficulties that arise both in and out of the workplace.
If you are facing challenges—whether related to work or personal life—support is available. These include, but are not limited to, members of the ED clinical and admin team, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), family and social supports, and your own GP. It’s common to need help, and there are always people ready to assist.
In a busy Emergency Department like Maitland, we regularly encounter a wide range of clinical and non-clinical situations that can result in personal and professional distress. Whether these challenges feel minor or overwhelming in the moment, if left unaddressed, they can lead to significant mental and physical health issues. These may affect both your professional and personal life, with outcomes ranging from reduced performance to more severe concerns such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or suicidality.
As part of our ongoing commitment to improve access to resources, foster open discussions, and reduce the stigma around these challenges, we have gathered the following resources to help you find the support you need when facing difficulties.
Your wellbeing is our priority, and we are here to support you through any challenges you may encounter.
On The Floor Support
Senior Medical and Nursing staff are always ready and willing to provide support
Acute Incident Response (AIR) Project
Support for stressful, complex or traumatic events that take place during work in real time
Trained AIR Champions on the floor (look for the symbol on badges)
Structured debrief either singly or in groups with a focus on psychological first aid and early identification of staff who have been significantly impacted by an incident
Ongoing support from ED Leadership as needed
Voluntary engagement by staff with no expectations for ongoing involvement if not desired
Contact Tim Starkey if you are interested in becoming a Champion Timothy.Starkey@health.nsw.gov.au
staff wellbeing Resources
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Free, confidential psychological support for any staff, students or volunteers
No professional consequences, not recorded in personnel files, no implications for ongoing work or training
Short term support with pathways to link in with ongoing support as needed
Support for any work related concerns including stress management, compassion fatigue, burnout, critical incident support, anxiety, suicidality and more.
Option 1 Phone (02) 4921 2822 to hear a recorded message listing services available.
Option 2 Phone (02) 4985 3289 to arrange an appointment with a counsellor
Wellbeing resources HNE/NSW Health
Broad Variety of resources including
Fact sheets for identifying and coping with the various challenges that arise working in health
Phone numbers for external services that provide support for a variety of health concerns with a focus on mental health
Med App
Free download from App store/Google store
Set location to “open access Med App” for full array of resources under “wellbeing”. Site specific resources also available.
Extensive resources targeted at clinicians of all levels with a focus on trainees
Links to validated self assessment tools to help identify when you may need help
Information on professional and personal challenges arising from working in healthcare
External Resources - 24/7 Hotlines
Mental Health line 1800 011 511
Alcohol and Other Drugs Information Service (ADIS) 9361 8000 or toll free for country areas on 1800 422 599
Bush Support Services 1800 805 391
Department of Community Services 13 21 11
Domestic Violence helpline 1800 656 463
Lifeline 13 11 44
Men's line Australia 1300 789 978
NSW Gambling help 1800 858 858
Suicide call back line 1300 659 467
Persons to contact if you require support
for JMO/Trainee
Medical Operations Manager | Jeanette Chadban | Mobile 0402 970 790
JMO Manager | Linda Venables | Phone: 408 72504
Roster Coordinator | Shelagh Garfield | Phone: 408 71648 | Mobile 0448 475 411
Other Contacts
AIR Coordinator for TMH - Tim Starkey
ED Co-Director of Emergency Services | Scott Flannagan | Mobile 0425 289 962
ED Co-Director of Emergency Services | Luke Burgess | Mobile 0438 624 325
NUM - Kristie McKenzie | Mobile 0403 071 114