Peninsula Health has been recognised as an employer committed to supporting Australian Defence Force reserves who work in various roles across our health service.
Peninsula Health Head of Palliative Care and Director of Medical Services, Lieutenant Colonel Dr Sandeep Bhagat attended the Australian Defence Force Employer Support Awards with Peninsula Health’s Clinical Director Rehabilitation, Aging, Pain and Palliative Care, Dr Nathan Johns, on Thursday 24 August who accepeted the ‘Employer Support Award’ on behalf of Peninsula Health
“Peninsula Health truly deserves recognition as an employer that values Australian Defence Force service,” says Dr Bhagat. “They have allowed me to take periods of leave when I’ve been called to serve, despite my position not being easy to backfill.”
The Awards aim to acknowledge employers that have gone above and beyond for their reservist employees, over a sustained period or for a special effort to enable the member to complete their Reserve commitments.
“The Australian Defence Force understands the challenges employers face in releasing their staff for the defence service,” adds Dr Bhagat. “The recognition is a way of thanking employers for their contribution towards national interests, whilst also providing an insight into the nature of the Defence Force service to their employers.”
Reserves are an essential part of our nation’s defence force, and can be called to serve at any time, often needing extended periods of leave. By supporting our reservists, they feel comfortable that they can return to their job without any repercussions.