At this week’s employee forum, we heard from Nurse Manager Janine Maloney, who leads the team caring for COVID-19 patients in the Forest COVID ward.
Following an increase in case numbers and the implementation of a new Model of Care at Monash Health, Forest ward was converted to a COVID-19 ward and has been operating as such for the past two weeks.
While the change has not come without its challenges, Janine said she was proud of what the team have achieved and their willingness to continue to provide critical care in a time of need.
“The team that has come in to work in Forest COVID, they’ve been amazing. Everybody has really pulled together. It is tough. It’s a small environment with lots of specialities working together but everybody is working really well.”
When asked about whether she had reservations about her safety while working in a high-risk ward, Janine explained that the level of protection and safety measures in place mean she feels incredibly safe when coming to work each day.
“We have all the supports and are fully COVID-ready – we’re vaccinated, fit tested and PPE trained. Our PPE spotters are integral, they’re there to protect us and are integral to our safety.
I feel safer in Forest COVID than I would at the local supermarket today. I feel fully safe. Monash Health have ensured our safety by making sure we are COVID-ready before going into the unit.”
Watch Janine’s full interview at the employee forum below.
Approved by Kate Nolan.