VICDOC Winter 2022 - Magazine - Page 61
THIS YEAR ON FRIDAY 3 JUNE 2022, THE
CRAZYSOCKS4DOCS THEMES WERE:
AWARENESS, ADVOCACY, TURNING TALK
INTO TANGIBLE ACTION
––
n 2022, the pressure on healthcare workers is
higher than ever with ongoing staff shortages
and continued increased demand for healthcare.
Burnout in the health professions is very real and
combined with high rates of COVID-19 and influenza,
many healthcare workers need to take leave.
At the same time, there are increased presentations
in all healthcare settings as the community catch
up on healthcare that was put on hold during
the COVID-19 lockdowns, present with their
own mental health conditions which have been
exacerbated by the pandemic and catch up on urgent
surgery which has been delayed during the pandemic.
Every healthcare worker needs to prioritise their
own mental health and wellbeing at this time in a
way that best meets their needs. Having a balance in
life and support from colleagues, family and friends
is essential. Peer support through organisations such
as Hand-n-Hand Peer Support is a great way to seek
support from like-minded colleagues.
While Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day has traditionally
been lighthearted, recent suicides in the medical
profession saw some doctors wearing black socks
to honour a colleague. Sadly, health professionals,
including doctors, have a higher suicide rate than the
general population. We need to hold those who have
lost their lives to suicide in mind. We must also use
this as an impetus to change the culture which makes
help-seeking an accepted practice among doctors and
healthcare professionals.
While one day of wearing colourful socks does
not change anything, everyone in healthcare needs to
use Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day to plan tangible action
to change the culture, reduce stigma and look out for
the wellbeing of our colleagues as well as focus on
our own wellbeing. The day is not just about having
a breakfast or a grand round and taking photos for
social media. Those in leadership and managerial
roles need to be open to listening to healthcare
workers to find out what is needed. There are reports
that some doctors could not attend the breakfast or
morning tea that was provided in their workplace
on Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day due to their workload.
Systems change and practical solutions must be
implemented to ensure the health and wellbeing
of those working in healthcare. Doctors and other
healthcare workers are essential for services that
are needed by the community - they are the main
instrument of care and their knowledge and expertise
is too valuable to lose.
If any aspect of this article causes distress or if you
are prompted to reach out for support, these services
are available and targeted to the medical profession,
including medical students.
––
I
THIS YEAR, AMA VICTORIA AND
THE VICTORIAN DOCTOR’S HEALTH
SERVICE, COLLABORATED WITH
WERRIBEE MERCY HOSPITAL TO
HOLD A GRAND ROUND EVENT
ON CRAZY SOCKS 4 DOCS DAY.
––
The panel, including a medical student and
doctors at various career stages, identified
that a supportive culture is essential for
doctor wellbeing. They spoke about looking
out for your colleagues, reducing stigma in
relation to help seeking behaviour and the
importance of compassionate and supportive
hospital management who value staff.
AMA Victoria has made its own
pledge for tangible action this year for
Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day: To continue
to lobby government for a safer, fairer
workplace for doctors
Click here for
VDHP
Click here for
AMAV Peer Support
Click here for
DRS4DRS
Click here for
Hand-n-Hand
Peer Support
Click here for
Dr Geoffrey Toogood
VI CD O C WI NTER 2022
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