AMA calls for Senate COVID-19 hearings on the impact of outbreak on Victorian healthcare workers

AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said that at the time of the AMA’s initial submission to the inquiry in May, and appearances before the Committee in June, the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to be under control. 

“Since then, a significant outbreak has occurred in Victoria. At least 11 per cent of current active cases in Victoria are healthcare workers,” Dr Khorshid said. 

“The rate of healthcare worker infections in Victoria is simply not acceptable. This week, we have seen more healthcare worker infections in NSW. 

“We need to know what the rates of infection are, and what is driving this. Yet governments are reluctant to share that information.” 

Dr Khorshid highlighted that despite Australia having months to prepare for the second wave of COVID-19, doctors and other frontline workers are still being let down by the failure to develop a set of strong national guidelines for PPE that puts the safety of healthcare workers first. 

“Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers should be confident that they will be safe at work, and confident that they won’t bring COVID-19 home to their family and friends,” Dr Khorshid said. 

“The Commonwealth Government, and all State and Territory Governments, must commit and contribute to a target of zero healthcare worker deaths.” 

Dr Khorshid has written to Committee Chair, Senator Katy Gallagher, to formally request urgent further hearings. 

Read the full media release here.