URGENT: COVID-19, AMA Queensland calls for PPE clarity and transparency

Confusion about the supply and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has led to frustration and angst amongst doctors on the frontline of Queensland’s COVID-19 crisis. Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland President Dr Dilip Dhupelia said the peak medical body had received many concerns from doctors working in both the public sector about how and where to access PPE.

“Queensland Health told us they are confident they can maintain a supply of PPE provided measures are in place around PPE stewardship, but doctors working in the hospitals have not received clear communication confirming this and many are worried they will run out,” Dr Dhupelia said.

“There is also confusion around how GPs and other private specialists should be receiving their PPE and whether there is any available.

Dr Dhupelia said he appreciated the State Government and Queensland Health were working extremely hard to respond to the evolving impact of COVID-19 but there was a urgent need for transparency on allocation and clearer messaging to all health care workers and the public.

“Doctors – whether they work in the public and private health sector – are calling for urgent clarification so they can continue to deliver frontline health care to Queenslanders."

In a letter to Queensland Health Minister Hon. Steven Miles, Queensland Health Director-General Dr John Wakefield and Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young, Dr Dhupelia wrote the need for improved communication with frontline health staff had become evident as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to evolve.

“We need clear, transparent communication at the local level so that Hospital and Health Services (HHS) throughout Queensland as well as the primary care sectors in those regions are aware of PPE supply and distribution processes,” Dr Dhupelia wrote.

In this time of uncertainty, communication is key. AMA Queensland is calling on the State Government to immediately provide clear and transparent communication to hospitals and the primary care sector regarding access to and distribution of PPE - information that is crucial for doctors and nurses to continue to the manage the pandemic.