The Victorian Government is conducting a new survey to gain the valuable insights of frontline mental health workers ─ and delivering on a recommendation by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
A new workforce personnel survey has been sent out today to all mental health workers in public, community and private settings ─ inviting them to take part and give feedback on their experiences of working in the sector.
The findings will allow the Government to hear directly from the people working on the ground ─ informing what is needed to attract, train, support and retain a stronger workforce for Victoria’s reformed mental health system and deliver world-class care to every Victorian who needs it.
The survey closes on Monday, 15 November and participation is voluntary, anonymous and completely confidential.
A statewide Mental Health Workforce Strategy will be delivered by the end of 2021, acquitting a key Royal Commission recommendation.
This latest survey is part of a suite of workforce initiatives already underway to deliver on the recommendations that will help shape the Strategy,including a mental health workforce census that all specialist public mental health services completed last month.
Data from the census is now being analysed, helping the Government better understand the total number of full-time equivalent staff, headcount and vacancy numbers for all staff employed in various specialities – which has previously been challenging given the devolved nature of the mental health system and workforce.
To build a new mental health and wellbeing system from the ground up that meets the needs of all Victorians, the Victorian Budget 2021/22 invested a record $3.8 billion in mental health and wellbeing services and support.
This includes $206 million to build up the state’s mental health workforce by investing in more mental health nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, lived experience workforce and support staff ─ ensuring more Victorians get the care they need, and thousands more have the security of a great healthcare job.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health James Merlino
“The voice of frontline workers will be vital in transforming our mental health system – we want to hear their frank experiences of working in the sector, so we can build a better-equipped workforce to care for Victorians.“
“I encourage all staff working in the sector to get involved and contribute to this survey as it will help ensure we can attract and retain the workforce we need to deliver the services Victorians deserves.”
