PMCV: JMO Victoria - a supportive community

Wellbeing

NH is committed to being an employer of choice; leading by example and creating a workplace culture and environment that values, supports and promotes programs and policies that improve your health and wellbeing by empowering you to take responsibility for your health and wellbeing and reducing the incidence of chronic disease. A happy, healthy workforce is better for everyone.

Being a doctor is hard, both work and outside work stressors affect us, our wellbeing and ultimately patient care.

Seek support and encourage colleagues to do the same.

Refer to OHS – Employee Health & Wellbeing (to be updated July 2026).

Practical advice on how to find the right supports for you

  • Start by talking with someone to find out confidentially what avenues of support are available
  • Email the Northern Doctors Education, Supervisor of Interns – Dr Carol Chong & Directors of Clinical Training – Dr Chiu Kang and Dr Laura Ehlert as your first points of contact.
  • Reach out to ?? are the 2026 JMSA Wellbeing reps.
  • Email the Northern Doctors Workforce.
  • PMCV JMO Victoria (scroll up for more information).?? are the Health Service Reps for JMO Victoria and available to discuss your concerns.

 

THRIVE Program

Evidence indicates that an integrated approach to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace will lead to the greatest benefits for organisations and workers. Integrated approaches focus on three key areas of focus:

  • Protect – protecting mental health by reducing work-related risk factors for mental health conditions and increasing protective factors
  • Promote – promoting mental health and wellbeing by developing the positive aspects of work as well as workers’ strengths and capabilities
  • Support – addressing mental health difficulties and conditions among workers regardless of whether the workplace was a contributing factor

 

Wellbeing Team is friendly and always open to a chat and offer support, guidance and initiatives to protect, promote and support the wellbeing of the staff. Contact the wellbeing team here

Head to Northern Health’s Intranet to find more information, resources and upcoming initiatives such as:

  • Peer Support Program
  • ‘All About You’ initiative
  • Employee Assistance Program:
    • Is a free, confidential service that operates 24 hours, seven days per week, 365 days of the year
    • available to all employees, contractors and immediate family members
    • up to 6 free sessions per year
    • Click to book a consultation

Staff Physiotherapy Clinic 

Is a free service, designed to support Northern Health staff who sustain acute musculoskeletal injuries at work by providing high quality physiotherapy care. We will also see staff who have an acute or acute-on-chronic musculoskeletal complaints sustained outside of work if it is impacting on their ability to participate in their usual duties at work. This includes acute flare ups of previous injuries. Click here for more information.

Complete “Terms of Service” form and return to staffphysio@nh.org.au

 

 

Staff Exercise Physiology Clinic 

Is a free service, designed to support Northern Health staff to engage in physical activity and evidence-based exercise training interventions by providing a professional Exercise Physiology service. Exercise Physiologists specialise in clinical exercise prescription and delivery of lifestyle modification programs for the prevention and management of chronic disease and musculoskeletal injury. The service is also aimed at promoting a culture of fitness and increased physical activity at Northern Health, thus any staff member wanting support is eligible for the service to optimise their general health and wellbeing. click here to visit the website.

Staff members can make their own referral by completing the “Terms of Service” form and returning to staffexphys@nh.org.au

You will be contacted about making an appointment once your referral is reviewed and triaged.

 

 

Northern Health – Spiritual Care

  • Spiritual Care encompasses all the ways in which attention is paid to the spiritual dimensions of life.
  • It is commonly offered in a one-to-one relationship, is person centered and makes no assumptions about personal conviction or life orientation.
  • It offers a way for people to experience and make meaning of their hopes and fears.
  • Click here for more information.

NH spiritual care practitioners

  • Highly skilled to work across cultures and all faith or no faith belief systems
  • Non-judgmental and open to diverse and varied belief systems
  • Provide a listening presence and a supportive ear when people are struggling

As an extension of the inhouse team also have a variety of faith leaders, who provide support after hours to members of their own faith traditions. They come in outside business hours to comfort and support those in need. Communications team (formerly NH Switch) have a list for after hours when needed.

If you are unsure if your situation can be helped or if we can support you simply contact us on 8405 8005.

Spiritual Care is offered freely to all patients, family members, visitors and staff of Northern Health. Referrals can be made by patients, staff or family members.

When someone is in hospital the issues that arise can be many and varied and may include some of the following:

  • Bereavement support, grief and loss counselling
  • Emotional support
  • Pastoral counselling
  • Ceremonial events & rites
  • Education & training
  • Blessing & Naming Ceremonies (postnatal)
  • Referral & consultation
  • Spiritual, religious and sacred texts
  • Religious care (sacraments, prayer, religious clerics)

The department will provide an individual to listen, support and help the person, as a part of a holistic approach to healthcare.

Exclusion criteria:  support occurs on Northern Health premises only.  For visits outside Northern Health premises will need to be made to local faith communities by phone.

  1. Spiritual Care Coordinator – Natalia
  2. Spiritual Care Associate Directors – Penelope

For urgent on-call religious reps, call Communications – 8405-8000.

 

 

NH Policies (intranet access)

 

Victoria: Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (VIC)

Discrimination on the basis of age, breastfeeding, disability, employment activity, gender identity, industrial activity, lawful sexual activity, marital status, parental status or status as a carer, physical features, political belief or activity, pregnancy, race (including colour, nationality, ethnicity and ethnic origin), religious belief or activity, sex, sexual orientation, and personal association with someone who has, or is assumed to have, any of these personal characteristics. Sexual harassment is also prohibited under this Act. Engaging in bullying, harassment or discrimination will lead to disciplinary action and can result in termination of employment.

Read the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (VIC) here.

If you believe you are being bullied, harassed or discriminated against please seek advice from one of your supports as listed above who will assist and escalate the matter appropriately.

 

Other Resources

 

Useful mindfulness apps

 

Articles

 

Page last updated 12.02.2026