Everyone deserves to be respected

It requires the hard work and dedication of over 16,000 staff and volunteers to support the community and deliver the healthcare services they need. 

When your health or the health of a loved one is at risk, it can be a worrying and stressful time. We understand these challenges and our health workers are there to help. 

But sometimes, providing care can be tougher than it should be. Too often, our health workers experience disrespect, verbal abuse, violence and aggression from patients and visitors. 

Everyone working in our health system deserves to be shown respect – from frontline health workers, like our nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals to everyone working behind the scenes. This includes admin, orderlies, food services, security and support staff. 

Whatever their role, every staff member within our health service is doing an important job that supports Tasmanians to access high-quality healthcare. 

Without your respect, it’s harder to focus on providing the care that’s needed.

A Healthy Dose of Respect media campaign 

To highlight this important issue, we’ve developed a media campaign featuring our valued staff. This campaign reminds the community that we appreciate respectful behaviour towards our people. 

So, remember, when it comes to delivering our health services, a healthy dose of respect helps everyone. 

What can you do

It’s never okay to abuse or disrespect someone, including health professionals. If you are unhappy, we want you to tell us so that we can help.

Be kind and respectful to our healthcare staff. Everyone deserves to feel safe at work.

If you are unhappy, remember you can:

• calmly tell the person caring for you why you are unhappy
• ask to speak to the manager in charge, or
• provide feedback via our general enquiries feedback form

If you see something or have any concerns about how a health professional has been treated, please tell a member of staff.