Trial will test new approach to support workers’ psychological health

Trial will test new approach to support workers’ psychological health

Barwon Health is partnering with WorkSafe Victoria to lead a three-year Industry Trial focused on trauma
exposure, an emerging risk affecting healthcare workers, particularly in non-clinical roles.

The Industry Trial will deliver and test interventions to address how trauma exposure is managed, moving
beyond individual resilience and reactive supports to a proactive, system-wide safety approach.

With funding from WorkSafe Victoria, Barwon Health will work with the Royal Women’s Hospital to implement practical, organisation-wide changes to reduce exposure and improve workforce safety across both hospitals.

Key actions include:

• Mapping where and how staff are exposed to indirect trauma.
• Redesigning services and roles to eliminate or reduce exposure.
• Embedding trauma-informed work practices.
• Introducing controls to limit trauma transfer across teams.
• Using data to monitor risks and guide ongoing improvements.

Barwon Health’s Chief of People and Culture, Tracy Gilligan, said the project marks a critical shift in supporting healthcare workers. “This investment allows us to move beyond expecting individuals to manage the impact of trauma on their own,” Ms Gilligan said. “We’re redesigning systems to reduce risks and implement controls to create safer workplaces for our people.” “By prioritising psychological health and safety alongside service delivery, we’re strengthening both our workforce and the care we provide to the community.”

The initiative is expected to reduce psychological injuries, improve staff health and safety, and strengthen workforce sustainability, while maintaining high-quality patient care.

The approach implemented at Barwon Health and Royal Women’s Hospital is expected to serve as a scalable model for the healthcare sector, supporting broader improvements in how organisations manage trauma. Other partners in this initiative include LaTrobe University, Victorian Hospitals Industrial Association and Mercer Marsh Benefits.

Barwon Health acknowledges WorkSafe Victoria for its support and leadership in advancing workplace health
and safety.