Our story – 20 years in 2026
The Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria (NMHPV) was formerly established in 2006 to address the unique needs of the nursing and midwifery workforce. The program emerged following a forum of nurses from Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF), former Nurses Board of Victoria and nurses in the field, who came together as part of a growing recognition that nurses and midwives needed dedicated support services. They recognised that nurses and midwives face stress, burnout, trauma, mental health and alcohol and other drug related problems at higher rates than many other professions due to the emotionally and physically demanding nature of their jobs.
NMHPV evolved from a growing understanding that nurses and midwives needed a safe, dedicated service they could turn to for support, and that many nurses and midwives were hesitant to seek help because of stigma, shame, or fears about their registration if they reached out for support for mental health or substance-related issues. The program provides confidential support and resources to help nurses and midwives navigate these challenges while maintaining their professional and personal well-being.
Whilst initially funded by various entities, in 2016 the Victorian State Government formed the decision to take responsibility for resourcing the organisation with public funding commencing in early 2017. In 2018, the Department of Health and Human Resources approached NMHPV to establish a program for child protection practitioners to obtain support for health, wellbeing and work related issues. The Child Protection Health Program Victoria (CPHPV) was auspiced to NMHPV in mid-2018. NMHPV has continued to evolve over time and to be recognised as an expert peer led organisation working to support and respond to nurses and midwives experiencing health and wellbeing issues.
In recognition of the success of the Victorian program, in 2024, following federal labour government endorsement of the model, the national Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia (NMHPA) was launched. The NMHPV will work closely with the NMHPA over the duration of this strategic direction cycle. Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF), Victorian Branch and Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) continue as the constitutional members of NMHPV. The members appoint five directors of the independent board who have responsibility for the governance framework.
The Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria plays a key role in ensuring that nurses, midwives, students can access the care they need without the risk of discrimination or damage to their careers. By supporting the mental health and well-being of nurses and midwives, the program contributes to a healthier workforce, which ultimately benefits patients and improves the overall quality of care in the healthcare system.
The program also highlights the growing recognition in Australia of the importance of supporting the health of healthcare professionals as an integral part of ensuring quality care and safety in the healthcare system.
This year (2026) we celebrate our 20th birthday. This is a huge milestone that we are proud of as we continue to evolve and be recognised as an expert peer-led organisation dedicated to ensuring nurses, midwives, and students can get the help they need, when they need it.
For over two decades NMHPV has provided support to hundreds of Victorian Nurses, Midwives and students of the professions.