Experiences of Health Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Health workers were among the first and most impacted by Covid-19-not just by the virus, but also by the changes to rosters, leave, school attendance and family impact. The authors conducted a wide-ranging survey that tapped into the concerns, challenges, and demands placed on our health workers and their responses. This book provides a unique insight into the impact of the pandemic on a vital cohort; it illustrates some of the issues faced in the health system that have been exposed as a result of the pandemic, and the courage and resilience shown by many . Ruth Vine, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Australia While the whole society has been through a highly threatening and morale-sapping experience through the pandemic, healthcare workers have been at the eye of the storm. This book confirms that they have performed incredibly, suffered greatly, and also that the experience has changed so many in fundamental ways. This book provides a window into this experience, which is captured through the dedication and commitment of those who fought to conduct this unique survey. The healing professions offer the greatest vocation that can be followed and are deeply respected. This book shows why and reveals the deeply human elements of health and medical care under extreme conditions . Patrick McGorry, AO, Executive Director of Orygen and Professor of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia Based on a rich and expansive data set, this book gives a fascinating insight into the experiences of health workers in the pandemic context. It reveals new challenges that emerged and illuminates existing cracks in the health system. This book provides an important opportunity to hear from healthcare workers in their words. Those who work in this sector will find solace in this book as a way of making sense of their experiences and giving voice to their emotions. For those in health policy or management roles, it is incumbent upon us to hear these voices and think about how we can shape the sector so that we learn from this experience . Helen Dickenson, Professor of Public Service Research, University of New South Wales, Australia In his 1947 novel The Plague, Albert Camus wrote of 'All who, while unable to be saints but refusing to bow down to pestilences, strive their utmost to be healers'. Experiences of Health Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic is a remarkable record of the experiences of Australian health workers. In the midst of fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion, their voices are an eloquent call for understanding, support, and recognition of our shared humanity in the face of a modern plague . Ron Paterson, Emeritus Professor of Health Law and Policy, University of Auckland, New Zealand This is front line evidence from the trenches. I tear up reading this. Partly because the words accurately echo what I felt/feel. Partly because I wished I had done more for my colleagues. Mandatory reading for anyone who manages people in health care. Eric Levi, Melbourne Otolaryngologist Head & Neck Surgeon