Health heroes thanked for their hard work with extra leave

Published Monday, 14 September, 2020 at 03:44 PM

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services
The Honourable Steven Miles

Queensland Health heroes fighting COVID-19 on the frontline will be recognised during Health Heroes Week starting Saturday 26 September.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said Health Heroes week is an opportunity for Queenslanders to say thanks to the state’s frontline and support health care staff for their hard work to keep Queenslanders safe over the past eight months.

“I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and commitment of our healthcare workers to keep our communities safe throughout this pandemic,” Mr Miles said.

“Our best line of defence against COVID-19 is our health care workforce, who are doing incredible amounts of testing and contact tracing, caring for Queenslanders who become ill, keeping our facilities clean, and working behind the scenes to provide the latest health advice and updates to keep the public informed.

“This strong health response has helped us avoid the situation we have seen in countries like the USA or Italy, where health systems have been overwhelmed and devastated entire economies,” he said.

Mr Miles said Queensland frontline Health Heroes will be able to access up to two days additional leave to thank them for their role during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is one way we can say thank you to all our health heroes for their ongoing and tireless commitment to the pandemic response,” Mr Miles said.

“We all know having time off is important for our health and wellbeing. This will give a little extra time for staff to do the things they enjoy or spend more time with their families.

“This is for our hardworking doctors, nurses, public health teams, ambos, pathology workers and health professionals, as well as support staff who help them do their jobs like cleaners, kitchen staff and administration staff.”

The additional two days leave will apply to permanent and temporary full-time health care staff (excluding executives) across Queensland Health, including the Department of Health, Hospital and Health Services and Queensland Ambulance Service staff. Part time staff will be pro-rated.

Eligible staff will be able to take the pandemic leave from 1 November 2020 and within two years.

All Queenslanders will be invited to say thank you to our health heroes with a dedicated week of celebrations featuring organised events and activities.

ENDS

Media contact:               Sarah O’Rourke – 0437 781 040