Managing a "new normal" with COVID-19 circulating but very few social restrictions is something Victorians have quickly learned to embrace.
But for staff at the Mildura Base Public Hospital — including Emergency Department Nurse Unit Manager Emma Gallagher — "normal" remains a distant memory.
"I know it's really great with us opening up, everything seems to be going back to how it was in the community and that's amazing," she said.
"But our normal in the community and our normal at work are two very different things.
"We are on continuous 'high alert' — that will be our normal."
Serious abuse
Ms Gallagher said extra safety requirements, restrictions, fatigue, and a spike in "serious" abuse from patients and families, were all exacerbating what had been a difficult 20 months in health care.
She said the abuse came mostly from people upset with the hospital's strict visitor rules.
Visitors were only welcome for end-of-life care, or partners of women giving birth, as recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services.
"Unfortunately, we bear the brunt of a lot of people's frustration," Ms Gallagher said.
"It's been really hard, and that's understandable.
"Some people are incredibly understanding. However, for some people, it's quite a difficult concept."
Mildura Hospital CEO Terry Welch said the abuse had led to "some very serious incidents".
"Our staff don't need to be yelled at, to have things thrown at them, to be hit, and everything else in between," he said.
"We often have to involve the police — we have seven security guards on a shift now to keep them safe."
Mr Welch said his staff were "amazing people" doing an "amazing job" in difficult circumstances.
"And I'm just asking people to respect that," he said.
'It can be exhausting'
Staff in emergency are also required to wear full protective equipment — including gloves, goggles, gowns and booties for their entire shifts — which has to be meticulously removed each time they need a break.
"It can be exhausting," Ms Gallagher said.
"You really rely heavily on the people around you and your team to actually be able to look after yourself."
Shortage sharpens
And unlike COVID restrictions in general life, strict rules in hospitals appear set to stay for the foreseeable future.
Ms Gallagher said the uncertainty about when "normality" could return was likely contributing to a widespread staffing shortage at hospitals right across Australia.
"I think COVID has really made people sit back and think, 'Is this what I want to do long term with my career?'" Ms Gallagher said.
"No-one thought that we would be nursing through a pandemic, not knowing what the future brings, and having the constant thought of potentially bringing [the virus] back to your family.
"It's tough. It really is."
Mr Welch said his staff had already been on a "massive journey".
"We do as much as we can to care for them, to look after their wellbeing," he said.
"The sector has a shortage. We've had a shortage.
"I'm certainly very concerned if COVID continues for an extended period of time — what that means for staff, for their wellbeing and their attitude and commitment to nursing in general.
"It is a concern."
Ms Gallagher said compassion and understanding would help alleviate some of the stress for nurses and hospital staff.
"We're trying to do our best, and we are putting ourselves on the line to keep the community safe," she said.
"We love our community. We love our job. We wouldn't do it if we didn't love it.
"That's certainly what carries us through."
