A new campaign is feeding our frontline health heroes, offering a way for the community to bolster our local health response to COVID-19.
Mater Foundation is driving a call to arms for the community to show their support for frontline health workers who are working tirelessly during the nation’s Omicron surge.
Back up the Frontline is a campaign aimed at easing the load for healthcare heroes by providing ready-made, healthy meals to more than 6000 frontline workers across Queensland.
Mater Foundation Executive Director Andrew Thomas said every $50 donation to Back up the Frontline would be doubled to provide a $100 Youfoodz voucher.
“Right now, frontline health workers are physically and emotionally exhausted; they need all the love, energy and support we can muster,” he said.
“The current Omicron surge is seeing a significant increase in hospitalisations and frontline health workers are caring for the community in difficult and demanding conditions.
“Providing a healthy, cooked meal at the end of a gruelling, extended shift in full PPE may not make their work any easier at the moment, but it will lighten the load for them when they finally make it home.”
Mater Public Hospital Emergency Department nurse Lisa Lawrence said it’s a daunting time to be a frontline health worker.
“It’s a rollercoaster,” she said.
“They’re long days and very busy.
“You get very run down. You see a lot of things. It’s not an easy job.
“The big thing with nurses is we help other people, but we forget to help ourselves. We get burnt out – and that’s even without a pandemic.
“Having ready-made meals will make life just that little bit easier for frontline workers like me and those with families at home – little kids, teenagers and husbands.
“It’s a little peace of mind after a long day. It takes a little bit of the home pressure off.”
Clinical nurse Chantel loves her job but said the pandemic has tested everyone in Emergency.
“We’re not drinking enough water and when you get home your lips are dry and you feel exhausted from wearing the PPE all day," Chantel said.
“But my colleagues make it easier, particularly on the hard days.”
Donate to Back up the Frontline at www.backupthefrontline.com.au.
Clinical nurse Chantel said the pandemic has tested everyone working in Emergency. Images supplied: Mater Hospital
Support a frontline health hero by donating to the Mater Foundation’s Back up the Frontline food campaign
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
