The first round of new employees commenced orientation this week, and the hospital's trainer and careers advisor Amelia Crafter said the group was excited to start and help their community at this difficult time.

"We usually run only one orientation session for new team members a month but with so many new people starting and with social distancing to consider, we are actually having two to three orientation sessions a week," Ms Crafter said in a press release.

"That will continue for at least the next few weeks so we can get the smaller-sized groups through as quickly as we can," she said.

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All of the participants from the first sessions had lost their usual employment through the circumstances of COVID-19.

Wimmera Health Care Group human resources manager Glenn Hynes said in a press release anywhere from 70 to 120 new team members will be required in various new roles such as support workers and Student Assisting In Nursing Temporary Support for the more clinical areas.

The support worker role ranges from patient services assistants, food services, leisure and lifestyle activities in the residential settings, administration and cleaning.

"All nurses whether currently practicing and registered, or even retired or still on maternity leave, are encouraged to get in touch with us as well," Mr Hynes said.

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