Investment needed to stem surgical supply shortage

AMA Queensland has called for investment and collaboration between the State Government, manufacturing and start-up sector to address the worldwide shortage of essential sterilisation wrap.

The wrap, Kimguard, is produced in the United States and used throughout the world for various medical needs including as sterilisation wrap for surgical equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which has been in high demand during COVID-19.

AMA Queensland President Professor Chris Perry commended Queensland Health and Hospital and Health Services throughout the state, in their proactive efforts to minimise the usage of Kimguard and keep urgent surgeries on track. 

“This shortage is no one’s fault. It’s just an unfortunate side effect of the massive worldwide demand for PPE but it is having an effect on non-urgent surgeries,” Professor Perry said.

“I’ve had to reprioritise some of my own surgical list as a result of the shortage and other AMA Queensland members have reported similar issues.”

Professor Perry said doctors and health workers could use some workarounds but a more permanent, innovative and sustainable solution was needed.

“Many businesses pivoted during COVID and this is another opportunity for local manufacturing to find solutions to meet community and industry needs,” he said.

Professor Perry urged Queensland Health to collaborate across the whole of government, industry and the private sector, to incentivise local manufacturers and startups to fill the shortage.

“We’re very keen to also work with the Minister for the Environment and Science, the Honourable Meghan Scanlon, to find ways we can use Queensland’s brightest minds to help improve the sustainability and environmental standards of the health sector.”

He also urged the medical profession to audit their use of disposable wraps and instruments to try and reduce waste and consider more environmentally-friendly options.

“A simple tonsillectomy can generate three garbage bags full of waste,” he said.

“We really need to find more environmentally-friendly ways to deliver the highest possible health care and sterilisation in a safe, cost effective way.”

“This is also an opportunity to harness Queensland innovation expertise to stimulate business and local manufacturing,” said Professor Perry.