Bushfire Victims In Our Thoughts - Australian Nursing Federation

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 12 Feb 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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The national office of the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) today expressed its deepest condolences and sympathy to those people affected by Victoria's ongoing bushfires.

"The ANF sends our thoughts to those people, including many nurses, directly and personally affected by this horrific situation;" said Ged Kearney, ANF national secretary.

The ANF went on to praise the efforts of emergency services personnel, including the firefighters and volunteers who continue to battle to save properties, towns and communities from the bushfires.

"We pay tribute to those who are fighting on the fire front, and extend support and praise to nurses providing front line, 24 hour care to people suffering burns and other traumatic injuries."

"We would encourage nurses to take advantage of counselling and support services in order to help them manage the impact of caring for people under highly traumatic circumstances," Ms Kearney said.

The ANF urges employers to make professional counselling services available to nurses who are directly involved in caring for the victims of this terrible tragedy.

The ANF, representing nearly 170,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia.

Australian Nursing Federation

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