‘I'll be on the frontline and I might die’

Since the beginning of the pandemic, healthcare workers have faced wave after wave of outbreaks, working around the clock in tough conditions. Eighteen months in, Australia has more case numbers than ever, and our doctors, nurses and other health professionals are reporting alarmingly high rates of exhaustion, burnout and mental health issues. Today, Doctor Natasha Smallwood on the stress that healthcare workers on the frontline are facing and what that means for the health system after the pandemic. Guest: Natasha Smallwood, Associate professor and respiratory physician at The Alfred Hospital and Monash University. Background reading: Healthcare workers suffering exhaustion and burnout in The Saturday Paper Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.