September 29, 2021Our dedicated junior doctors received a special delivery of care packages as part of R U OK? Day from the Junior Medical Staff Association (JMSA) Welfare team, to show their thanks for their incredible work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The R U OK? Day Care Packages filled with goodies were delivered to all junior doctors; interns, residents and registrars at Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital and Bundoora Centre.
Dr Natina Monteleone, JMSA Representative, said the Welfare team recognised that this was a challenging time for all our Doctors, and wanted to show their appreciation to the junior doctor community at Northern Health.
“We wanted to support each other through it. We are unable to meet in our usual way or partake in our usual get togethers,” Natina said.
“These packages are a symbol of unity and support and hopefully brought some joy to the doctors across the Northern Health workforce. These packages were provided in recognition of R U OK? Day, which was created as a way to starting a conversation with those around us.”
“We hope this has created some opportunity for open and supportive discussion about these really challenging times and that the conversations continue after R U OK? Day.”
In the care packages, staff received R U OK? Day phone wallets and pamphlets, Beyond Blue fridge magnets, wrist bands and wallet cards, coffee cups, chocolates, pens, coffee vouchers, hand sanitiser, note books, hackey sacks and stress balls.
“Many of the items were donated by local organisations that recognised the hard work and sacrifice of our staff, and wanted to show their support and thanks,” Natina said.
“Many of these organisations provide ongoing support to our Doctors and we wanted to get that message out that we are not alone in all of this and there are services there that can help.”
“We also graciously received funding from the CMO, Divisional Directors, Senior Medical Staff Association and Northern Health, with which we purchased additional coffee cups, vanilla scented candles, hacky sacks and linen bags.”
The JMSA Welfare team hoped the care packages helped to “brighten the day” for our colleagues.
“We also hope they serve as a reminder that we are all facing these challenges together, we can support each other through it and that there are services out there that can help.”
Featured image: Broadmeadows Hospital doctors with the R U OK? Day Care Packages
