From Friday 11 February, employees working in COVID areas will have access to complimentary meals and coffee during their shift. This includes employees in clinical, non-clinical and support roles within our emergency departments, ICUs and COVID wards.
Heat and eat meals
The ‘heat and eat’ meals can be accessed from commercial fridges that have been placed in all COVID areas. We kindly ask that employees refrain from using the fridges to store their personal meals and beverages.
Employees are also encouraged to be respectful of their colleagues and be mindful of the availability of meals, by only taking one meal per shift. The complimentary meals will be available until 31 March 2022.
Barista-grade coffee
Complimentary coffee will be available from barista-grade coffee machines installed in all COVID areas. There is enough coffee for everyone in these areas, so please help yourself!
The coffee machines will be cleaned and refilled by our external provider and will be available until 30 June 2022.
Code Brown overtime food vouchers
Last month, we launched food vouchers for employees undertaking eligible overtime (double shifts or 2+ hours above your usual shift) during Code Brown.
With the introduction of complimentary meals and hot beverages in COVID areas, this will replace the food vouchers for employees in these areas.
The food vouchers will remain available for employees undertaking eligible overtime during Code Brown and not working in COVID areas at Clayton, Dandenong, Casey and Kingston. The food vouchers will continue for eligible employees until 31 March 2022.
As we continue to respond to the pandemic, we are looking for more ways to support the health and wellbeing of our employees across all sites. With increased access to food and coffee in our high-risk areas, we aim to encourage employees to take a break and refuel with a nutritious meal and their favourite hot beverage!
Approved by Michael Holman and Karen Lowe.