Victoria’s health system has received a major workforce boost with thousands of nurses undertaking additional training ahead of the coronavirus pandemic – developing new skills that will continue to be put to good use in our hospitals into the future.

Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today celebrated International Day of the Nurse by thanking Victoria’s nurses for the round-the-clock care they provide to their patients and the whole community.

More than 100 nurses at Western Health have taken part in a series of training programs giving them the skills to work in the intensive care unit, 20 nurses completed a course to work in emergency department triage and more than 50 subacute nurses refreshed their skills to care for more acute patients.

As part of the extensive preparations for the coronavirus pandemic, the training included face-to-face and online learning, and the opportunity to shadow other nursing staff during their shifts.

Western Health worked with Deakin University and the University of Melbourne to provide online learning materials for the intensive care unit and the emergency department training.

Western Health is one of many health services across Victoria taking the opportunity to upskill its frontline staff during the pandemic.

The Victorian Government supported the development of two programs developed by University of Melbourne and Alfred Health for nursing and medical staff in relation to critical care. More than 3,000 nurses enrolled in the programs.

This Government is investing $1.9 billion as part of its coronavirus health system preparedness response, including new equipment, extra ICU beds, PPE, staff and additional space.

More information can be found at dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos

“Our nurses working on the frontline of this coronavirus pandemic are our heroes and now more than ever we need to show our appreciation for the work they do every day to look after all Victorians.”

“This training will not only better prepare our health services during the coronavirus pandemic, but it will ensure they have the skilled workforce to meet future health challenges.”

“The willingness of our nurses to upskill and re-train during the coronavirus crisis is a reflection of their professionalism, compassion and dedication to the health and wellbeing of their patients and the community.”