COVID-19 call to arms for retired doctors
We encourage retired doctors who are keen to get involved, to register by emailing AMAQ at covid19@amaq.com.au or calling (07) 3872 2222.
Retired Queensland doctors are needed to assist with contact tracing and 13 HEALTH hotline advice to help manage the COVID-19 outbreak, as the number of confirmed cases rises.
Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland President Dr Dilip Dhupelia has today called on all retired doctors to register their interest in helping to flatten the infection curve, which is expected to peak during winter months.
Dr Dhupelia said AMA Queensland had been liaising with Chief Medical Officer Dr Jeannette Young on the best way for retired doctors to assist Queensland Health during these challenging times.
"Some will be asked to assist contact tracing of confirmed cases of COVID-19, while others may be needed on the 24-hour 13 HEALTH hotline to relay and explain up-to-date medical advice as it is released by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee," Dr Dhupelia said.
"There are public health units across the State and a range of areas where support is required, depending on where the retired doctor lives."
Dr Young said retired doctors were a valuable resource and she has commenced discussions to facilitate the engagement of this group in the COVID-19 response.
"It is important to match their skills with appropriate roles to assist in managing COVID-19," Dr Young said.
Dr Dhupelia said several retired doctors had contacted AMA Queensland in recent weeks to offer their assistance as the outbreak worsens.
"There are hundreds of retired doctors in Queensland with extremely valuable health care experience and knowledge," he said. "Doctors don't lose their lifelong passion for public health and patient care simply because they retire.
"Everyone needs to pull together to ensure the best possible care of Queenslanders and this supplementary workforce of retired doctors has a lot to contribute."
Dr Dhupelia said retired doctors could register to help by emailing covid19@amaq.com.au or phoning AMA Queensland on 07 3872 2222