Victorian Department of Health

We’re introducing a new category ‘Urgent Care’ for our health care services, to help navigate the health options available in Victoria. Our aim is to help reduce pressure on our emergency departments and ambulance services by providing alternative care services for people who need urgent health care now, but their condition is not life-threatening. The three main urgent care options available are: 🟠 Urgent Care Clinics (walk in, open late and on weekends) 🟠 Virtual Emergency Care (video call, 24/7) 🟠 Nurse-on-Call (on 1300 60 60 24) 24/7 These services will make it easier for Victorians to understand where they can seek free help faster when they need urgent medical care now, but their condition is not life threatening. To find out more, visit: https://lnkd.in/g2DDTDGw

Meet Thea, a passionate clinical counsellor. In her work, she witnesses the deep injustice of women being dismissed and their pain overlooked. Too often, she hears the echoes of the “hysterical woman” stereotype from her clients, a theme that highlights the urgent need for change. That’s why we’re committed to deepening our understanding of women’s pain and prioritising their health and wellbeing. Join us as we share Thea’s powerful story, shedding light on these important issues and inspiring a movement towards compassion and awareness. To learn more about our Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program, visit: https://lnkd.in/gRwZvQQQ

💡 Did You Know? The outdated medicine list for endorsed midwives has been repealed, allowing them to prescribe medicines within their full scope of practice. This change means mothers will have quicker access to maternity care, without the need for multiple appointments. For more information on nursing and midwifery, visit: https://lnkd.in/gYepgq8q #HealthUpdates #MidwiferyCare #HealthcareInnovation

Content warning: this post mentions suicide. Caring for someone experiencing suicidal distress and bereavement by suicide can be challenging and complex. The Peer Care Companion Warmline - 1800 77 PEER (1800 77 7337) provides a space of compassion and respect for you to be understood. We encourage all mental health and wellbeing services to keep the Peer CARE Companion Warmline top of mind. By sharing this resource, you're not just referring - you're empowering entire support networks.

There’s just one week left to apply for an Allied Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Postgraduate Scholarship! 💪 What better time than on International Allied Health Professionals Day to apply for scholarships of up to $13,000. These postgraduate scholarships are available to allied health professionals and alcohol and other drug (AOD) practitioners to support the development of your mental health or AOD practice. To learn more and apply for the Allied Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Postgraduate Scholarship Program, visit: https://lnkd.in/g8bW2WCx #HealthScholarships #AlliedHealth #AlliedHealthProfessionals #IAHPD

Content warning: This post discusses eating disorders. The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System Interim Report highlighted the increasing prevalence and severity of eating disorders in the Victorian community. The report deepened our understanding of these serious and complex mental illnesses, which can be life-threatening and profoundly impact a person’s quality of life. Yesterday, we launched the Victorian eating disorders strategy 2024–2031. The strategy aims to improve the prevention, early identification, care, and treatment of eating disorders. Our vision for 2031 is clear: we want every person in Victoria to feel supported in cultivating a safe and empowered relationship with their body, food, and movement. Together, we will work to eliminate stigma and weight discrimination, ensuring that all individuals can pursue meaningful lives rooted in their own physical and mental wellbeing. To learn more about the Victorian eating disorders strategy 2024-2031 visit: https://lnkd.in/g_h23D6w If you or someone you know requires support, help is available: 🔶 Eating Disorders Victoria 1300 550 236 🔶 Lifeline 13 11 14 🔶 Butterfly Foundation 1800 334 673 🔶 In an emergency, call 000

Our Chief Health Officer, Dr. Clare Looker explains the Healthy Choices: policy directive for Victorian public health services. Key points of the policy: • Ensures healthier food and drink options across public health services are available to staff and visitors. • Applies to in-house retail outlets, vending machines, and catering in health services. • This directive is a crucial step in our ongoing commitment to improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians. 🤝 We're pleased to see health services already implementing these changes with positive outcomes. The department, through the Healthy Eating Advisory Service (HEAS), offers comprehensive support to all health services for smooth implementation. 📢 We encourage all Victorian public health services to watch this video and share it within your organisations. Together, we can create healthier environments for our staff, patients, and visitors. 🔗 For detailed information and implementation resources, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gEf85uxV #HealthyChoices #VictorianHealth #PublicHealthPolicy

Just less than two weeks left to have your say on what training and development support across Victoria would enhance your skills and career growth. We are extending the Training and Development Review workforce survey for an additional week to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute. The survey takes 5–10 minutes to complete. Submissions now close 11 October 2024. To take part in the survey, visit:   https://lnkd.in/g9A9DUkT

👋 Are you or someone you know looking to advance a career in the mental health workforce? Applications for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Scholarship program are now open. This program offers nearly 300 scholarships to support study in 2025, providing valuable development opportunities for: • mental health nurses • allied health professionals (including social workers, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other disciplines) • alcohol and other drug (AOD) practitioners • lived and living experience workers. Support your career growth and contribute to high-quality care in mental health. To learn more about the Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Scholarship program and apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/gwwUv5-H

Finalists for the 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards have now been announced! See the full list here: https://lnkd.in/gfbSB4fg The #VPHAwards awards are a celebration of excellence in public healthcare and acknowledge the achievements of Victoria’s healthcare workers, volunteers, and public health services. Congratulations to all who have been selected, and thank you for such a wide range of impressive and inspirational nominations. Winners will be announced on Tuesday 19 November. Good luck!