Food trucks roll up to feed Barwon Health workers

OVERNIGHT food trucks served free wood fire pizzas, souvlakis and drinks to Barwon Health night shift workers last week as part of state government initiative designed to retain healthcare workers.

Years of pandemic induced strain on the sector has led to vacancies in healthcare roles reaching record levels and prompted the Andrews Government in June to implement a one-off Healthcare Worker Winter Retention and Surge Payment for clinical and non-clinical staff.

The $353 million package included a $3,000 payment to all staff employed in public health services and Ambulance Victoria and part time, casual and new staff that were employed on or after July 1 that remain in the job until September 30 this year are eligible for a pro-rata equivalent of the payment.

The scheme also includes a Worker Wellbeing program for night shift workers who between July 1 and December 31 are being provided free meals and refreshments, including via food trucks like the C’est Chick and The Wright Coffee 2 U businesses that served Barwon Health staff at the McKellar Centre and University Hospital Geelong on Wednesday last week.

“This initiative is just one of the many ways we are saying a big ‘thank you’ to everyone at Barwon Health for their ongoing contribution and care throughout the course of the pandemic,” Barwon Health spokesperson Kate Bibby said.