Healthcare workers across regional Victoria are enduring a burnout epidemic, as workplace stress, overwork and poor pay takes its toll.
Burnout rates were the worst at Albury Wodonga (47% of all public healthcare workers), West Gippsland (40%), Bendigo (36%), Colac (36%) and in the Grampians region (36%).
Rates are lower across metropolitan areas, according to the latest official Victorian Government figures compiled by the Victorian Public Sector Commission.
“Healthcare workers are overworked, disrespected and poorly paid,” the Healthcare Workers Union’s Lead Organiser Jake McGuinness said.
“These results should be a wakeup call for Jacinta Allan and the Victorian Government.”
The VPSC figures cover all healthcare workers, including orderlies, theatre technicians and administrative staff, as well as doctors and nurses.
Mr McGuinness said a separate survey of HWU members revealed 72% were considering quitting their jobs because of overwork and burnout.
The Victorian Government is currently refusing to give general healthcare workers a pay rise above inflation, despite nurses and doctors receiving above-inflation pay bumps. Workers are also pushing for changes to workplace conditions to reduce stress and burnout.
The dispute resulted in thousands of Victorian healthcare workers walking off the job in December, with further industrial action likely if a resolution cannot be found.
“Burnout is just one symptom of a health system in crisis,” Mr McGuinness said.
“Jacinta Allan needs to sit down with healthcare workers and offer them a genuine pay rise.”
Burnout has been defined as “bone-deep exhaustion where you’re emotionally drained, mentally overloaded, and unable to muster the enthusiasm to keep going”.
Media contact: Ryan Sheales, 0402 351 412