Health Services, Staff profile,

Take 5 with Anna Mumford

What is your job?

I am currently the acting nurse unit manager for CRCU (Community Residential Care Units). CRCU is based in Traralgon close to the CBD and the Community Mental Health Service building. It consists of 14 independent residential units that have 24 hours support from qualified staff.

Staff have a number of important roles throughout their day such as recovery-based groups and therapies, medication administration, psychiatrist reviews, following up on appointments and engagement with other stake holders just to name a few.

I currently manage a team of 16 staff plus casual employees which enables to ensure it is a friendly and positive working environment.

How long have you worked at LRH?

I have been working at Latrobe Regional Health for 13 years, beginning as an enrolled nurse in the LRH psychiatric ward, completing my registered nurse degree then moving through the hospital to experience different roles and areas. I have worked in the Mother Baby Unit, Secure Extended Care Unit, Psychiatric Emergency Care Team, Acute Crises Intervention Service in the community and, Hospital Outreach Post Suicidal Intervention Program.

I have gained robust experience in the mental health field which has led me to progress my career in management and understand hospital wide processes, policies and protocols. It has been an exciting journey.

What words would you use to describe the culture of your workplace?

CRCU has an incredibly positive and supportive culture. We are a small team which enables us to really look out for each other and have that family-like feel. As there can be some challenges working in mental health, I run a monthly staff meeting to discuss any concerns, complaints, queries and compliments. I encourage a supportive environment at CRCU and ensure that staff have a voice and feel valued, building on trust and staff strengths through appraisals and goal setting.

Over your career what are some of the changes you have seen in terms of workplace flexibility?

We have a number of staff here who have children, live a considerable distance from work or have other responsibilities. I support and work with the staff to adjust their rostering to suit. I have seen this filter through LRH hospital-wide which is a great attribute for the organisation.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting a career in mental health or considering relocating to Gippsland to further their career?

I highly encourage you to begin this journey. It’s a very interesting and rewarding career and a speciality area where you will grow and thrive. Mental health can open the door to so many opportunities such as recovery based mental health, adult acute, geriatric, mother and baby, community, emergency care team and many more.

To anyone thinking of relocating to Gippsland to further their career, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Gippsland is an area with so much to offer – from LRH to the beautiful sights of the region. It has been an amazing opportunity working for Latrobe Regional Health and I highly encourage anyone thinking of moving here to pursue the change.