3. Managing and overseeing health and wellbeing

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The department does not effectively oversee hospitals’ performance to make sure they protect and support their employees’ mental health and wellbeing.

The department has introduced support programs. But it does not always evaluate them to see if they are working.

Hospitals’ processes do not fully protect employees from psychosocial hazards in the workplace. And their boards do not have enough information to make sure they effectively support employees’ mental health and wellbeing.

2. State of employee health and wellbeing

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Data we analysed shows that Victorian hospital workers’ mental health and wellbeing has deteriorated since 2019.

More hospital workers are lodging workers compensation claims for psychological injuries. And more staff are reporting feeling stressed. These increases coincide with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

Most staff are not working unsafe hours and schedules. But doctors and nurses have a higher risk of fatigue compared to other staff.

1. Audit context

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Many factors can make hospital employees stressed, which can lead to psychological harm and poor mental health and wellbeing. These factors include fatigue, work demand and pressure, violence, bullying and inadequate reward and recognition.

The OHS Act says employers must, as far as reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a workplace that is safe for employees and does not put their physical and psychological health at risk.

What we found

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This section summarises our key findings. Sections 2 and 3 detail our complete findings, including supporting evidence.

When reaching our conclusions, we consulted with the audited agencies and considered their views. The agencies’ full responses are in Appendix A.

Our recommendations

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We made 3 recommendations to address 2 key findings.

Responses to Performance Engagement Recommendations: Annual Status Update 2023

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This dashboard provides transparency to the Victorian public and parliamentarians on agencies’ responses to our performance engagement recommendations.

Our performance engagements assess whether government agencies are effectively and efficiently meeting their objectives, using resources economically and complying with legislation. They often identify opportunities for improvement, which are reflected in our recommendations.

Appendix G: Agency responses to assurance review

Read more about Appendix G: Agency responses to assurance review

Download a PDF copy of Appendix G: Agency responses to assurance review.

Appendix F: The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission’s Internal Control – Integrated Framework (COSO framework)

Read more about Appendix F: The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission’s Internal Control – Integrated Framework (COSO framework)

Download a PDF copy of Appendix F: The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission’s Internal Control – Integrated Framework (COSO framework).