We are pleased to announce we have published our Prevention of Violence and Aggression (PoVA) Strategy 2023-2025.
The Strategy is an important shift in our approach to Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA) and sets our direction and priorities to achieve our vision to be “relentless in our pursuit of a violence and aggression-free health service for all employees, patients, and visitors.”
The strategy and actions have been developed in consultation with stakeholders from a range of programs, sites, disciplines, and roles across Monash Health. They have also been informed by a range of guiding frameworks and legislation.
Zoe Devenish, General Manager, Moorabbin Hospital and Cancer Services, and PoVA committee chair says we have listened to your feedback, and our new strategy has a stronger focus on primary prevention and a clinical focus.
“Our new strategy is based on a clinical safety and prevention model which seeks to balance prioritising the safety of our employees with meeting the complex care needs of our consumers. Our aim is to equip our people with the tools, skills and knowledge to identify and de-escalate situations so that you can do your jobs safely.”
The Strategy introduces our four strategic pillars for prevention. The pillar goals and objectives are:
- Predict – We communicate, consult, and collaborate to identify violence and aggression risk and implement effective mitigation strategies.
- Strengthen – We grow the skills of our leaders and employees to prevent, identify and respond to high-risk behaviours and situations.
- Provide – We have the resources, systems, and processes to deliver a safe, secure, and supportive environment for employees, patients, and visitors.
- Adapt – We learn from all available sources to continuously refine and adapt our approach to minimising violence and aggression in our health service.
You will see and hear more about these goals and objectives as we bring the strategy to life over the coming months as we commit to providing the safest possible workplace for our people.
In the next few weeks, we will begin to introduce you to our newly appointed Behaviour Support Consultants and will outline how they can support you in your role.
We can work together to change the conversation and prevent violence and aggression before it happens.
If you would like more information, contact our PoVA team at pova@monashhealth.org
Approved by Adjunct Professor Katrina Nankervis, Executive Director, Nursing and Midwifery