A new National Nurse and Midwife Health Service will soon be established, recognising the significant physical and mental strain our nurses and midwives are currently under to keep our health system running. 

Our federal body, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), will lead the national rollout framework in consultation with the Federal Government, state governments and peak bodies.  

The service, which will cost the Federal Government $25.2 million to establish, will provide peer-to-peer support and referrals. It will help Australia’s nurses and midwives (including students) better manage their health and wellbeing with counselling and support services.

We know rates of fatigue, stress and burnout have been escalating for a long time, with the pandemic only exacerbating the problem.

This new support service will provide a welcoming, stigma-free entry point for nurses and midwives with a range of health issues, from stress management to quick assessment and referral to respond to mental health issues requiring additional services. 

The service will employ Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and Midwives to offer free, confidential and independent advice, support, information, treatment and specialist referrals. 
 
Telephone  and other virtual consultations will also form a significant part of the service, making support more accessible to nurses and midwives in regional and rural locations.