Coronavirus (COVID-19) update – 12 November 2021
As of today, we have:
- 72 COVID-19 positive inpatients
- 43 employees with COVID-19
- 79 employees in precautionary quarantine
In this update, we cover:
- Remote Working conversations
- Length of Service Awards 2021
- M365 Project Update – Introducing Microsoft Teams
- Hospital Surge Support Allowance
- Our community appeal seeks support to help premmie babies thrive
- Digital Wellbeing Series
- Resilient and Revitalised Team Challenge
- Changes to our internal emergency number and Code Blue criteria
- Daily COVID-19 numbers
- Cranbourne Vaccination Centre temporarily closed 11-15 November 2021
- Meet our first STAR winners for Quarter 3 2021
Remote Working conversations
As we close out 2021 and look forward to a year less heavily impacted by COVID-19, it is time to begin conversations about returning to working on site for those team members working remotely under our pandemic arrangements.
This return to working on site will be either full time or a hybrid model (with some days on site and some days working remotely), depending on job role.
For those who will continue to work in a hybrid model, it will remain a requirement that you come into the office regularly for collaborative events, team meetings, performance appraisals and other reasons as required by your manager – as per existing working remotely agreements.
Between now and the end of the year, managers will meet onsite with their team members 1:1 to review working arrangements and make plans for the new year.
Guidance to support these conversations will be available shortly. In the meantime, our Remote Working Procedure is available on PROMPT.
Length of Service Awards 2021
Our annual Length of Service Awards begin next week and provide an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the contribution our long-serving colleagues have made, while hearing some of the many fascinating stories they’ve collected along the way.
This year we have two Monash Health employees being acknowledged for 55 years of service, along with a total of 1,535 others reaching significant professional milestones.
Please join with me to thank and acknowledge these remarkable people who contribute so much to our health service and our community.
The first event is on Wednesday evening, online from 5.30pm You can join online wherever you are.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication and care.
Andrew Stripp Chief Executive
Key Messages
M365 Project Update – Introducing Microsoft Teams
M365 is going live across Monash Health, and with it comes one of the most powerful business technology applications on the market: Microsoft Teams. We’re using it to deliver high-quality, timely care and work practices in our hospitals. Read more here.
Hospital Surge Support Allowance
The Victorian Government’s Hospital Surge Support Allowance supports patient-facing healthcare workers who are providing direct care in public hospital services over the coming months. It aims to retain highly skilled workers in the priority areas over the COVID-19 surge and traditional holiday periods.
The eligibility criteria for the Allowance are determined by the Government and are not related to the likelihood that you will need to care for COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19 patients. Some of the criteria are reasonably complex, so we’re updating our COVID-19 website regularly to address the most frequently asked questions on the Allowance.
Our community appeal seeks support to help premmie babies thrive
The Monash Health Foundation has launched this year’s Christmas appeal for Monash Children’s Hospital. The appeal is raising funds for innovative cell therapy research to help preterm babies. Read more here.
Digital Wellbeing Series
Our Mental Health Program is pleased to provide all employees access to the Digital Wellbeing Series by The Resilience Project. The program provides practical and evidence-based strategies to help employees manage their wellbeing at work and with family and friends. The series includes 10 three-minute videos covering various topics, including practising gratitude, living with purpose and exercise. You can access the Digital Wellbeing Series on LATTE by searching ‘The Resilience Project’ in Find Learning.
Resilient and Revitalised Team Challenge
We’re excited to announce the launch of the four-week Resilient and Revitalised Team Challenge, starting Monday 22 November 2021. The challenge is a fun, easy way to improve your overall wellbeing and develop small daily habits to last a lifetime. It will also help you better manage work pressures, optimise your home life, and become refreshed and energised.
To participate in the challenge, join a team of between two to six people and assign a team captain. Your team can consist of your colleagues as well as family members. Register your team here.
Changes to our internal emergency number and Code Blue criteria, effective 16 November 2021
On 16 November 2021, we’ll be making changes to some of our internal procedures to simplify and standardise how we deal with on-site emergencies. Read about these changes here.
Daily COVID-19 numbers
We are now publishing daily COVID-19 numbers for SEPHU and Monash Health each morning. You can find these on iNews, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Cranbourne Vaccination Centre temporarily closed 11-15 November 2021
The Cranbourne Turf Club Vaccination Centre will be temporarily closed between 11 to 15 November 2021 (inclusive), due to the Cranbourne Cup. Read more here.
Meet our first STAR winners for Quarter 3 2021
At our weekly employee forum, our first STAR Award winners for Quarter 3 2021 were announced. The categories awarded this week were Excellent Experiences and Improving Care and Access. Read about our winners here.
All managers are requested to share these updates with their teams and discuss at stand-ups and handovers. Please print a copy and display it in communication books and on employee noticeboards.
As advice and information evolve, please consult the latest updates and visit the Department of Health and Human Services and Monash Health COVID-19 website for employees regularly for the latest.