AMA Queensland calls for urgent fix to PPE supply chain

25.08.2020

Doctors call for urgent fix to PPE supply chain

GPs are urging federal and state governments to fix the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) with many medical clinics unable to afford the thousands of dollars for masks and gowns to keep themselves, their patients and their staff safe.

Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland Councillor and practising GP Dr Maria Boulton said her Windsor clinic had spent more than $10,000 on PPE since March because the Commonwealth’s PPE supply and distribution network was unreliable.

GP practices in the Greater Brisbane area are now considered ‘moderate risk’ under Queensland Health’s new PPE guidelines, announced yesterday. Ms Boulton said this meant the clinic where she worked would need to provide masks for its 13 doctors and 15,000 patients.

“GPs have had poor access to PPE from the start of the pandemic and it’s frustrating we find ourselves in the same position today as we were at the start of March with an unreliable supply chain and no transparency on availability,” she said.

“We’ve been advised to source PPE through our private suppliers but they are hard to find and very expensive. Many GP clinics are already under financial strain because of the increased costs and decreased revenue during COVID.

“This will push many of them under.”

Dr Boulton said Queensland Health advice that GPs should increase telehealth appointments to avoid the need for PPE was unhelpful.

“You can’t immunise children or treat pregnant women or care for a whole range of patients via telehealth – there are always people that need to see a doctor in person,” she said.

“The fact that telehealth must be bulk billed adds further pressure to already struggling clinics. Many smaller GP practices are having to close their doors.”

Ms Boulton said GPs were committed to continuing to provide health care in their communities, but needed a greater level of support from all levels of government.

“Allowing those at the frontline of our primary health care to go unprotected and unsupported is unacceptable,” she said.

AMA Queensland is working with Queensland Health and the primary care sector to ensure clear and transparent communication to all frontline health workers in the community regarding access to and distribution of PPE.

 

24.08.2020

AMA Queensland President Dr Chris Perry

AMA Queensland President Dr Chris Perry welcomed new Queensland Health guidelines to protect health workers on the front line in moderate risk areas, including Metro South, Metro North and West Moreton Hospital and Health Services.

“All doctors, patients and visitors to hospitals and GP clinics in the Greater Brisbane area will be required to put on a mask before entering the facilities,” he said.

“This will help keep our health workers safe so they can continue caring for the most vulnerable in our community.”

While Queensland Health recommended GPs followed the same protocols in the Greater Brisbane area, Dr Perry said the supply of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to GP clinics and other primary health facilities in the community was already low.

“The Federal Government supplies PPE for distribution to the primary care sector and we are calling for a boost in stock so that our GPs and other frontline health workers in the community can also feel safe,” he said.

Dr Perry said AMA Queensland was working closely with Queensland Health to ensure clear and transparent communication to all frontline health workers in the community regarding access to and distribution of PPE.

“GP supplies are not sufficiently reliable and there is no transparency about the availability of PPE for GPs, nor what type of PPE is available - information that is crucial for our frontline health workers to do their jobs safely,” he said.

Dr Perry said the unexpected outbreak of COVID cases stemming from a Brisbane detention centre employee was a stark reminder of the danger we face with this virus.

“It’s critical that anyone with symptoms call their GP immediately so they can be tested for COVID,” he said.

Dr Perry said Queenslanders had done an incredible job looking out for each other and could not afford to drop their guard.

“We all must remember to keep our social distance, wash our hands and if you’re feeling even a little but unwell, call your GP, get tested and STAY AT HOME.”

MEDIA CONTACTS: Chiara Lesèvre, AMA Queensland – 0419 735 641; Fran Metcalf, Sequel PR - 0417 627 867.