Eastern Health

“It can be a big weight off your shoulders to share the load with someone.”

Crazy Socks 4 Docs (5 June) is a day focused on breaking the stigma around mental health issues faced by doctors and healthcare professionals.

The fun and colourful socks aim to start discussions, reminding health professionals that just as they care for others, it’s important they seek help when needed.

Eastern Health Doctors Angelyn (HMO 2) and Reesa (PGY2), share how important it is for doctors, especially those just starting their career, to talk about how they are going and how normal it is to feel this way.

Follow the link to read more: https://www.easternhealth.org.au/news-events/colourful-socks-sparking-conversations/

Every day, patients need surgery that depends on speed, precision and the right equipment.

In these moments, surgeons rely on Image Intensifiers, imaging equipment that guides critical decisions during orthopaedic trauma, emergency surgery, and complex procedures.

“It’s not a machine. It’s a superpower,” says Raphael Hau, Clinical Director of Orthopaedic Surgery at Eastern Health Box Hill.

“You can think of it as X-ray vision. It helps us get it right the first time.”

At Eastern Health Box Hill, just three Image Intensifiers are shared across 10 operating theatres, creating constant demand for this critical equipment.

With your support, a fourth unit would help deliver more timely surgery to more patients when they need it most.

We’ve launched a fundraising campaign to help expand access to timely surgery for thousands of patients each year through the addition of a new Image Intensifier at Eastern Health Box Hill.

Please donate before 30 June to help ensure patients get the surgery they need, sooner.

To donate, please visit the Eastern Health Foundation: https://bit.ly/4ehk0KP

In recognition of National Reconciliation Week, Eastern Health staff visited the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum.

The incredible artwork gave visitors an opportunity to reflect on Aboriginal culture, history and connection to Country.

National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to reflect on the role we all play in the lives of those in our community.

We remain committed to the ongoing journey toward reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

By working with the Aboriginal Health Advisory Committee, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, and Reconciliation Australia, Eastern Health launched our second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in October 2025. The plan demonstrates an active approach to embedding reconciliation in our organisational objectives and everyday practices.

Guided by respect and cultural understanding, Eastern Health acknowledges the deep and enduring connection that First Nations peoples have to land, culture and community. Eastern Health acknowledges the past and ongoing impacts of colonisation, including the trauma of the Stolen Generations. Further, Eastern Health acknowledges the role of health services in the past trauma inflicted upon our First Peoples, and we are dedicated to fostering healing through listening, learning, and action.

Eastern Health continues to build partnerships that honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and knowledge, ensuring that reconciliation is a shared responsibility.

National Sorry Day (26 May) is a time for reflection, truth telling and acknowledgement. It marks the anniversary of the Bringing Them Home report and honours the Stolen Generations; the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families, cultures and communities.

Eastern Health acknowledges the enduring strength and resilience of the Stolen Generations and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise that reconciliation is not symbolic, it requires action, accountability and a genuine commitment to cultural safety across all our services.

Throughout 2026, the Eastern Health Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing team continues to work alongside Community to strengthen culturally safe care, improve access to services, and support staff to build cultural understanding. National Sorry Day is an opportunity for all of us to pause, reflect and recommit to this work. By acknowledging the truth of our shared history and listening to the experiences of survivors, we take steps toward a future grounded in respect, healing and self determination.

Read the Bringing Them Home report: https://humanrights.gov.au/resource-hub/older-peoples-rights/bringing-them-home-full-contents-page

Your year to volunteer

The Eastern Health National Volunteer Week event provided the perfect opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our amazing, dedicated and invaluable volunteers.

Over 90 guests enjoyed the festivities, sharing stories on their collective impact.

Eastern Health Board Members and Executives were in attendance to praise those volunteers receiving service awards, ranging from 5 to over 20 years.

The event was capped off with discussion panel from volunteers, Lin Merry, Maree Lyon and Bruce Powell.

Each reflecting on the varied volunteer work they do at Eastern Health, why they do it, and how it has changed their lives for the better.

Thank you to the Box Hill RSL for hosting and Community Bank Inner East for their generous support of this event.

Follow the link to find out more about volunteering at Eastern Health: https://www.easternhealth.org.au/about-us/volunteers/

Inclusion starts with education.

This International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), Eastern Health proudly celebrated inclusion, visibility and allyship through interactive displays across our sites.

LGBTQIA+ Liaisons Finn and Mel connected with staff and community members to share what IDAHOBIT is, why it matters, and how everyone can be an active ally. They also helped people discover local events and handed out free IDAHOBIT badges as a visible sign of support.

Education is a vital part of LGBTQIA+ allyship. By building understanding and awareness, we help ensure that all staff and community members feel safe, respected and supported, no matter who they are or what care they need

Supporting new parents when times are tough.

The Eastern Health Specialty Maternity Servies helps expecting parents connect with community programs that can aid in their financial and mental wellbeing, during the tricky transition into parenthood.

Follow the link for more: https://lilydale.mailcommunity.com.au/digital-editions/