This Newsletter covers Federal and State policy and legislative developments in the area of health. Copies of documents referred to can be obtained by clicking on the reference in this Newsletter or through Capital Monitor's collection at www.capitalmonitor.com.au or from the source quoted.

Major Announcements

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

17 April

Enhanced COVID-19 testing to offer vital safety net
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said the Government will act immediately to test for COVID-19 at three aged care facilities across Tasmania's North West Coast as the campaign to stop the spread of the virus continues. It follows confirmation from the Tasmanian Government that contact tracing from the North West Regional Hospital and Private Hospital had identified a health care worker who had also worked at three aged care facilities. 'We will have teams on site at each facility to start testing all residents and workers' Mr Colbeck said.
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16 April

Update on coronavirus measures
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the National Cabinet met to continue its coordinated work to save lives, and to save livelihoods. 'Leaders thanked Australians for staying home where possible over the Easter long weekend and stressed the critical importance of continuing to adhere to self-isolation, social distancing and quarantine arrangements, particularly for returned travellers. National Cabinet also highlighted the importance of people who are self-isolating and registering on the COVID-19 app' said Mr Morrison. 'The Chief Medical Officer Dr Brendan Murphy provided an update on the measures underway on the latest data and medical advice in relation to coronavirus. There are more than 6,400 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 63 people have died'.
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Rapid COVID-19 testing to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Minister for Health Greg Hunt, Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt and Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said the Government is investing $3.3 million to establish a rapid Coronavirus (COVID-19) Remote Point of Care Testing Program for remote and rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 'Under the program, people will benefit from testing times being cut to around 45 minutes. This will be a game-changing improvement for areas such as the Kimberley where receiving a test result can currently take up to 10 days' said Mr Hunt. 'Once fully rolled out, there will be 83 testing sites in place across Indigenous communities most at risk, and most in need'.
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Defence COVID-19 Rapid Response Group
A new Defence-led Rapid Response Group has been established to help increase domestic stocks of invasive ventilators, as part of Australia's response to the COVID- 19 outbreak. Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the Government is using all the tools at its disposal to respond to COVID-19 and the need for critical medical equipment. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Response Group would feed into the work already being done by the Government to increase Australia's available stock of ventilators.
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Non-COVID patients also need care
Patients in need of routine care for chronic and other conditions should feel they can see the doctor and not be dissuaded by fear of COVID-19, the Consumers Health Forum (CHF) said. 'We are concerned at reports by professional bodies and health services that patients are putting off seeing the doctor or going to hospitals because of worries about catching COVID-19,' the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells said. 'We hear that attendances at many GP clinics, pathology centres, hospital emergency departments and other health services are down significantly. That should be a concern for all Australians'.
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Do your bit! Your flu vaccination can help reduce the burden on our healthcare system
The more people who are vaccinated against the flu this season, the less the flu will spread in the community. Minimising the spread of flu is a good way to reduce strain on hospitals and the healthcare system in general during the current COVID-19 pandemic, said NPS MedicineWise. 'Influenza (the flu) is a major cause of illness in Australia and people die of the flu every year. Last year's flu vaccine will not give protection this year' said NPS MedicineWise. 'The vaccine needs to be taken every year as every year there are new strains of the virus'.
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COVID-19 cannot be excuse to let First Nations issues fall by the wayside
Labor First Nations Ministers and Shadow Ministers held an historic first meeting to discuss issues confronting Indigenous Australians as the nation responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indigenous Australians are particularly vulnerable to serious infection from COVID-19 due to higher rates of chronic illness, agreed Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, Shadow Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Warren Snowdon, Shadow Assistant Minister for Reconciliation Patrick Dodson and Labor NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. There was consensus that current controls and restrictions protecting First Nations communities should not be wound back under the current circumstances.
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ACT: COVID-19 update
ACT Health said there have been no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours. 'The ACT's total is still 103. A total of 79 cases have recovered from COVID-19 and have been released from self-isolation. This is more than three quarters of the ACT's confirmed cases' said ACT Health. 'There are currently two (2) COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The remainder are isolating at home with ACT Health support. The ACT has recorded three (3) deaths. The number of negative tests in the ACT is now 6516'.
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NSW: Contact tracing capabilities ramp up to fight COVID-19
Since March the NSW Health COVID-19 Contact Tracing team has been scaling up public health resources to trace and contact people across NSW who are at risk of COVID-19 to minimise spread of the infection. Director of Contract Tracing Carolyn Murray said contact tracing is used to combat infectious diseases like measles, but has been scaled up to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the development of a central NSW Health Contact Tracing team. 'We've grown to a team of around 150 working day and night to follow up people who have been in contact with people diagnosed with COVID-19,' Ms Murray said.
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TAS: Supporting our hard working paramedics
Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney said keeping Tasmanians safe and secure is the Tasmanian Government's highest priority as Tasmanians continue to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak in the state's North West. 'We know how hard our paramedics are working right now, which is why we want to do everything we possibly can to support them during this time, so I am pleased Ambulance Tasmania is in the process of finalising a new contract for vehicle cleaning services in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport' said Ms Courtney. 'Currently the cleaning of ambulance vehicles is undertaken by paramedics, volunteers or managers, which can reduce the availability of our paramedics at a time we need them the most'.
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TAS: Testing for healthcare workers must be prioritised
The Tasmanian government must act quickly and proactively to ensure all healthcare and other hospital staff on the North West Coast have access to COVID-19 testing without delay, said Tasmanian Labor Leader Rebecca White. Ms White said despite increased testing capacity, some workers in the health system are waiting 48 hours to access testing. 'The government said that testing would be ramped up, with capacity for 500 tests a day in Tasmania,' Ms White said. 'But despite this, only 100 tests were conducted in the North West - the epicentre of the crisis - and some staff have been told they'll have to wait 48 hours for a test'.
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15 April

First regional NSW COVID-19 respiratory clinic opens in Wagga Wagga
The first rural GP-led COVID-19 respiratory clinic in New South Wales officially opened at Wagga Wagga's Glenrock Country Practice. Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the new respiratory clinic, assembled at Dr Ayman Shenouda's practice, was part of the Australian Government's $2.4 billion health package to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Mr Coulton said the Federal Government was focused on ensuring rural and regional communities are prepared to respond to this pandemic.
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QLD: Queensland COVID-19
More paramedics are joining the front line to keep up the fight against COVID-19 as five new cases are confirmed - the lowest daily increase in more than a month. There are now 552 active cases with 442 recoveries and five deaths for a total of 999. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said another 60 paramedic graduates are being fast-tracked into training this month, following the earlier deployment of 45 paramedics across the state. 'The graduates will be out on the ground helping people, again making sure we have the frontline services we need to combat COVID-19,' Ms Palaszczuk said.
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QLD: Sixty new paramedics for Queensland to boost COVID-19 frontline response
The fight against COVID-19 continues with additional Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers fast-tracked into Queensland communities to assist in the pandemic response. Queensland Premier Palaszczuk said the addition to the workforce will help cater for an increase in demand for health care in Queensland if needed. Queensland Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said Queenslanders can be reassured the Queensland State Government is continuing to boost frontline resources to assist patients who have contracted the virus. 'Our healthcare workers are literally facing the virus head on during our fight against this pandemic,' Mr Miles said.
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SA: COVID-19 testing blitz for South Australia
South Australia will build on its world-leading testing regime for COVID-19 by launching a two-week testing blitz. The expansion of testing criteria will give symptomatic South Australians the reassurance they are not infected, while also providing public health clinicians greater understanding of the prevalence of the virus within the state. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said South Australia is in the enviable position of being able to undertake this blitz to both identify disease early and to strengthen community wide protection. South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said South Australia's early decision to test people presenting with respiratory problems for COVID-19 has been instrumental in controlling the pandemic.
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TAS: Increased testing welcome, essential
Ms White has welcomed the government's move to increase testing for COVID-19 in Tasmania. Ms White said the government has confirmed there is now capacity to perform up to 500 tests each day. 'That level of testing is really important as we work to get ahead of this crisis. And we should expect to have to increase it further. The World Health Organization has been absolutely clear: without testing, cases cannot be isolated and the chain of infection cannot be broken,' said Ms White.
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TAS: Coronavirus Update
The Tasmanian Department of Health announced Tasmania has confirmed four cases of coronavirus. This brings the State's tally to 169. All of the cases are from the North West. Two are women and two are men. One is in their 40s, two are in their 50s and one is in their 80s. Further details will be provided later. 'The situation with coronavirus is changing regularly' said the department.
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VIC: Emergency sitting of the Victorian Parliament
The Victorian Parliament will be recalled two weeks early for a one day emergency sitting on Thursday 23 April 2020 to pass vital legislation to assist the ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic, said Victorian Leader of the House Jacinta Allan. The Victorian State Government is drafting legislation to address issues such as the tenancy reforms agreed to by the National Cabinet, and the Parliament will also be asked to pass urgent appropriation bills which will ensure healthcare workers and other vital public sector staff continue to be paid, said Victorian Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Jaclyn Symes.
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WA: Extension of Western Australia Declaration of State of Emergency
The Western Australian Minister for Emergency Services Fran Logan and the State Government declared a State of Emergency under the Emergency Management Act and a Public Health Emergency under the Public Health Act in response to COVID-19 in March, and have extended the State of Emergency for another 14 days.
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WA: COVID-19 update
The Western Australian Department of Health has reported five new cases of COVID-19, bringing the State's total to 532. Three of the new cases are from cruise ships - Costa Victoria (2) and Artania (1) - one is a close contact of a confirmed case and one is still under investigation. As with all new confirmed cases, contact tracing is underway to ensure all close contacts are notified and advised of the requirement for them to self-isolate.
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14 April

Defence medical personnel to deploy to Tasmania
The Australian Defence Force will deploy personnel to Tasmania as part of an Australian Medical Assistance Team-led Commonwealth response, following a request for assistance from the Tasmanian State Government. Around 40 Defence and seven civilian medical professionals will arrive in Burnie by air, before moving to the North West Regional Hospital as soon as the deep clean has been completed. Senator Reynolds said Defence prioritised the request following notification from Emergency Management Australia, as part of the National Coordination Mechanism. Minister Hunt said the AUSMAT deployment would strengthen North West Tasmania's hospital system during the unprecedented COVID-19 health emergency.
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Co-ordination on life insurance for frontline workers during pandemic
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted interim authorisation allowing life insurers to co-ordinate to ensure frontline healthcare workers are not excluded from coverage due to potential or actual exposure to COVID- 19. The interim authorisation, granted to the Financial Services Council (FSC) and its members, means that exposure to COVID-19 cannot be used as a reason to decline life insurance coverage to a frontline health worker, or to charge higher premiums or apply risk exclusions to any new policy. The FSC members' commitment applies to workers including, but not limited to, doctors, nurses and all hospital workers; ambulance workers and paramedics; people working at GP surgeries or clinics; people working on COVD-19 vaccines and pharmacists.
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ACT: COVID-19 update
There have been no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours, said the ACT Department of Health. The ACT's total is still 103. A total of 75 cases have recovered from COVID-19 and have been released from self-isolation. This is almost 3 quarters of all confirmed cases in the ACT. There are currently three (3) COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The remainder are isolating at home with ACT Health support. The ACT has recorded two (2) deaths.
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NT: Facing off against the virus
Health workers testing for coronavirus in the Katherine region will receive about 70 face shields manufactured by eight Taminmin College students, said the NT Department of Education. Armed with a guillotine, hot glue guns and a heavy-duty hole punch, the years 9 and 10 collegians made the headwear from A3 laminating pouches, foam roll and elastic. The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory guided the students by providing the pattern for the shields, and instructions for their construction. Year 10 project enthusiast Aston Wilson was keen to help clinicians, nurses and allied health professionals in Aboriginal community health centres.
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QLD: Boost for grassroots health care provider groups hampered by COVID-19 impact in Queensland
Queensland Premier Palaszczuk has announced a $28 million fund to support Queensland's community-based health service groups as part of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms Palaszczuk said non-government organisations delivering critical public health services across the state can access the COVID-19 Grant Fund. Mr Miles said demand on community based health service groups was expected to spike during the COVID-19 crisis.
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QLD: Queensland COVID-19
Mental health, drug and alcohol services and culturally appropriate health care will get a $28 million boost to help Queensland continue through the tough but necessary measures to tackle COVID-19. There are 551 active cases, 442 recoveries and five deaths for a total of 998. Queensland Premier Palaszczuk said home isolation which was so crucial in flattening the curve could result in some people needing extra support from community health services. 'So with the Health Minister we are allocating $28 million to help people with mental health issues or who are facing drug and alcohol issues,' Ms Palaszczuk said.
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QLD: Queensland novel coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Queensland has 11 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) raising the state total to 998, said the Queensland Department of Health. Contact tracing is underway for the 11 new cases. Queensland Health will notify the community if any other public health alerts are required. The majority of cases are from patients who have travelled overseas, or have had direct contact with a confirmed case who had travelled overseas. The number of confirmed cases is expected to vary as the Department continues to respond to the COVID-19 situation across the state.
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TAS: Urgent action needed to increase testing capacity
Urgent action must be taken to increase capacity for testing for COVID-19 in Tasmania's North West. Ms White welcomes the Tasmanian State Government's announcement that anyone with symptoms in the North West can now access testing but that with only about 100 tests done a day on the North West the capacity to increase testing must be a priority. 'Tasmania has the second highest infection rate in the country, the highest death rate in the country and the lowest testing rate. We must do better,' Ms White said.
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VIC: Boosting paramedic recruits on coronavirus frontline
The Victorian State Government will fast-track the recruitment of 120 extra paramedics to boost the frontline of Victoria's coronavirus response and help ensure all Victorians get the health support they need when they need it. Victorian Minister for Ambulance Services Jenny Mikakos said the new paramedics would be brought forward from the next financial year, to hit the ground from next month. This means Ambulance Victoria will have the resources it needs to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and flu season, while still providing the very best care to all Victorians, no matter what their condition is.
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VIC: Liberal Nationals welcome announcement to expand COVID-19 testing criteria
The Opposition welcome the announcement to expand the testing criteria in Victoria for COVID-19, said Victorian Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier. Since raising the issue about the availability of Victorian testing kits and swabs in State Parliament, Victorians who called the hotline and were told to get tested were being turned away when presenting to clinics. Victoria's testing criteria since the outbreak began has remained too narrow, despite COVID-19 health experts urging governments around the world to 'test, test, test'.
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WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health has reported four new cases of COVID-19, bringing the State's total to 527. Three cases are from the cruise ship Artania and one is a close contact of an overseas traveller. As with all new confirmed cases, contact tracing is underway to ensure all close contacts are notified and advised of the requirement for them to self-isolate. There are currently 32 confirmed COVID-19 patients in Perth metropolitan hospitals, 12 of whom are in ICU.
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WA: COVID-19 General Order allows employees to take unpaid pandemic leave, annual leave on half pay and annual leave in advance
The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission will issue a General Order under s 50 Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that allows state system employees to take unpaid pandemic leave, annual leave on half pay and annual leave in advance. The Commission has implemented these flexible leave arrangements to assist businesses to continue to operate and to preserve employment and the continuity of employment for the benefit of those businesses, their employees and the economy generally.
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13 April

QLD: Queensland COVID-19 - Monday, April 13
Interim arrangements for school students to learn at home have been announced, while the number of new COVID-19 cases in Queensland grew by only 35 over the Easter period, for a new total of 987. Queensland Premier Palaszczuk said while the statistics have again been extremely encouraging, she and the Queensland Minister for Education wanted to give parents and children certainty about schooling for the first part of Term 2. 'Schools will be open for vulnerable children and the children of essential workers. But from next Monday, all other students will learn from home,' Minister Palaszczuk said.
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SA: Community recruitment drive for united coronavirus response
The South Australian Government is recruiting more doctors, pharmacists and allied and scientific health professionals to bolster South Australia's public health workforce as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Mr Wade said recruiting extra health professionals will ensure hospitals, health sites, aged care facilities and dedicated COVID-19 clinics have the skilled workforce required to manage an increased demand on the health system. 'These new recruits will form a vital part of our frontline team, supporting our current workforce during this unprecedented public health response,' Mr Wade said.
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SA: Coronavirus hotline to expand significantly
Training for 850 new call centre staff will commence, expanding the capacity of the South Australian coronavirus hotline. The additional 850 call centre staff will enable the capacity of the centre to increase from 15 seats to 100 with the COVID-19 Information Line operating seven days a week for 12 hours a day. SA Premier Marshall said boosting the capacity of the call centre was part the SA State Government's plan to protect South Australians from the impacts of coronavirus. Minister Wade said the SA State Government understands that many people just need some reassurance that they are doing the right thing in this very challenging time.
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VIC: State of Emergency for coronavirus extended to save lives
The State of Emergency in Victoria is being extended for another four weeks to give the Government the powers it needs to keep slowing the spread of coronavirus and save lives. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that the State of Emergency declared last month would be extended until midnight 11 May 2020 to continue the measures designed to 'flatten the curve' of coronavirus and give the health system the best chance of managing the virus. The State of Emergency was originally due to expire on 13 April.
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12 April

VIC: Surge funding helping our mental health system during crisis
The Government has announced a funding boost to support Victoria's mental health system and ensure Victorians get the care they need, as demand for services spikes during the coronavirus crisis. Victorian Premier Andrews and Victorian Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley announced a $59.4 million package to help meet demand as Victorians reach out for help with stress, isolation and uncertainty. 'While staying at home and limiting physical interaction is vital to slowing the spread of the virus, it can be difficult for people's mental health and wellbeing - particularly for those already experiencing mental health conditions' said Mr Andrews.
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9 April

Update on coronavirus measures
Prime Minister Morrison said Australian governments met as the National Cabinet to take further action to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives, and to save livelihoods. 'Leaders thanked all Australians who have acted responsibly towards their fellow Australians and have been undertaking social distancing and isolation measures. It's clear that social distancing measures are working, we're slowing the spread of the virus. But there is a long way to go, we will be living with this virus for at least six months' said Mr Morrison. 'National Cabinet reminds Australians to stay home for the Easter break - stay home and save lives'.
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Industry consortium to manufacture 2000 ventilators
A group of Australian manufacturing companies and engineering firms will work together to produce 2,000 invasive ventilators in Australia as part of the nation's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Government has reached a $31.3 million agreement with Victorian company Grey Innovation, which is leading an industry consortium to produce the ventilators. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said Grey Innovation and their cohort of industry partners are stepping up to meet the challenge of this unprecedented pandemic.
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Free coronavirus wellbeing support service
Minister Hunt said a new 24/7 support service specifically designed to help people through the COVID-19 pandemic is now available free of charge to all Australians. 'The Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service has been developed by Beyond Blue to address the growing mental health impact of the pandemic, including fear about the virus, financial stress, family stress, anxiety and loneliness' said Mr Hunt. 'The service offers easy access to a broad range of practical supports from online wellbeing tips, self-help tools to phone counselling from trained mental health professionals and peer to peer support'.
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Supporting Australians most at risk in the wake of coronavirus
The Government has committed more than $154 million in additional support for Australians living with disability, experiencing domestic and family violence and families doing it tough amid the coronavirus outbreak. Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Government was working as quickly as possible to make sure community services had the necessary resources to support those who need it most. Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert said the announcement comes in addition to the range of measures put in place to assist NDIS participants and providers during the coronavirus pandemic.
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ACT: Location chosen for new temporary COVID-19 Emergency Department
The ACT Territory Government will build its temporary COVID-19 Emergency Department (ED) on Garran Oval, adjacent to the Canberra Hospital. The location has been selected to mitigate any interruptions to the Canberra Hospital operations through this critical period. It provides flexibility for the facility to have adequate area available for logistics and essential equipment servicing the facility. The facility is intended to be fully self-sufficient by way of public and staff car parking and amenities. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Territory Government has been working closely with experts across both the health and construction sectors.
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QLD: Darling Downs Health Heroes combatting the COVID-19 crisis
Darling Downs doctors, nurses, paramedics and health professionals are expected to receive up to $130 million in extra funding to ramp up their COVID-19 preparations thanks to the Government. Queensland Minister Miles met with staff at Toowoomba Hospital to thank them for their dedication to protecting their community. 'COVID-19 has impacted communities across our state, and I would like to thank the staff at Toowoomba Hospital for their ongoing dedication to protecting their fellow Queenslanders,' Mr Miles said.
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TAS: Increased support for family and sexual violence during COVID-19
Keeping Tasmanians safe and secure is the Tasmanian State Government's highest priority as Tasmanians face the significant challenges presented by the spread of COVID-19, said Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein. There is never an excuse for violence, however, they know at times of stress the prevalence of family and sexual violence can increase. While Tasmanian data shows no current spikes in reportable family and sexual violence, they will continue to monitor the situation and data closely. As part of the Tasmanian State Government's $985 million Social and Economic Support package they increased family violence funding by an additional $2.7 million to meet any increase in demand.
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Aged Care

17 April

Enhanced COVID-19 testing to offer vital safety net
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said the Government will act immediately to test for COVID-19 at three aged care facilities across Tasmania's North West Coast as the campaign to stop the spread of the virus continues. It follows confirmation from the Tasmanian Government that contact tracing from the North West Regional Hospital and Private Hospital had identified a health care worker who had also worked at three aged care facilities. 'We will have teams on site at each facility to start testing all residents and workers' Mr Colbeck said.
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16 April

Morrison government must do more to support aged care
The Government must do more to support Australia's aged care system and protect older Australians from COVID-19. Critically, this must include targeted support for casual aged care workers who need to take sick leave, said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins. Labor has been calling for this support since the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Australia's aged care system, but the Government is yet to detail any measures to deal with this issue.
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15 April

COVID-19 aged care rescue support package
The aged care sector is united in proposing a package of urgent measures to keep the 1.3 million people in its care and its 360,000 workers safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Many providers were already at risk of collapse prior to the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the crisis is pushing us even closer to breaking point, said Aged & Community Services Australia, Aged Care Guild, Anglicare Australia, Baptistcare Australia, Catholic Health Australia, Leading Age Services Australia, and UnitingCare Australia. These are unprecedented times and aged care providers are at the frontline of protecting the safety of their residents, clients, visitors and staff.
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9 April

All aged care workers must be included in Government Retention Payments
Shadow Minister Collins said Labor has called on the Government to expand eligibility for its retention bonus payment for aged care to all workers who are not currently covered. 'Currently, workers in aged care including cleaning, laundry and catering staff will not be included in the Government's retention bonus' said Ms Collins. 'Labor supports the Government's retention bonus and asked for it to do something to keep workers employed in the sector but no one working in aged care should miss out. This payment isn't just about retention, it's about recognition'.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

None this edition.

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Allied Health

16 April

Non-COVID patients also need care
Patients in need of routine care for chronic and other conditions should feel they can see the doctor and not be dissuaded by fear of COVID-19, the Consumers Health Forum said. 'We are concerned at reports by professional bodies and health services that patients are putting off seeing the doctor or going to hospitals because of worries about catching COVID-19,' the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said. 'We hear that attendances at many GP clinics, pathology centres, hospital emergency departments and other health services are down significantly. '
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Children's Health

None this edition.

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Clinical Governance

16 April

Greens call for the World Health Organisation to be strengthened not weakened
The Australian Greens have condemned US President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States will withdraw critical funding from the World Health Organisation (WHO), and cautions the Australian government from signalling any similar action. 'As we face a global health emergency, it is essential that the WHO is properly funded and resourced to coordinate an international response. Now more than ever it is critical that we have international cooperation and a coordinated response to the pandemic.' Greens health spokesperson Dr Richard Di Natale said.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

None this edition.

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Dental

14 April

Dentists now have new item number for telehealth consultations
With coronavirus restrictions preventing many patients from seeking urgent advice from their regular dentist, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) has issued a new item number on the Australian Schedule of Dental Services and Glossary to allow for telehealth consultations. 'For the last couple of weeks, dentists have been restricted in the range of procedures they can perform, and then only to patients who've been cleared for coronavirus or have a low risk of being exposed to someone with the virus,' ADA President Dr Carmelo Bonanno said. 'With this new item number, patients will be able to seek advice either with videoconferencing or by phone from their dentist - without leaving their homes.'
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Disabilities

15 April

Statement of Concern - COVID-19: Human rights, disability and ethical decision-making
A Statement of Concern to emphasise key human rights principles and standards that need to underpin ethical decision-making in the context of disability and the COVID-19 pandemic has been released by Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA), National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA), First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN), Disabled People's Organisations Australia (DPOA), Australian Federation Of Disability Organisations (AFDO), and People with Disability Australia (PWDA). There are much greater risks from the COVID-19 pandemic for people with disability, in particular, for older people with disability, First Peoples with disability, people with intellectual or psychosocial disability, those with chronic health conditions, comorbidities, dependence on ventilators and compromised immunity.
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9 April

Supporting Australians most at risk in the wake of coronavirus
The Government has committed more than $154 million in additional support for Australians living with disability, experiencing domestic and family violence and families doing it tough amid the coronavirus outbreak. Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Government was working as quickly as possible to make sure community services had the necessary resources to support those who need it most. Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert said the announcement comes in addition to the range of measures put in place to assist NDIS participants and providers during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

15 April

Emergency planning and response issues paper
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability is seeking information about the experiences of people with disability during recent emergencies in Australia. The Emergency planning and response issues paper seeks feedback about what can be done to improve the safety and wellbeing of people with disability during similar emergencies in the future. It also asks what should be done to ensure people with disability are not at risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation during emergencies. The Chair Ronald Sackville AO QC said all Australian governments have a responsibility to uphold the rights of people with disability during emergencies.
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E-Health

None this edition.

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Education and Training

None this edition.

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Funding

15 April

QLD: Premier shows leadership: Support for AOD services during COVID-19
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) welcomes the announcement by the Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for a $28 million fund to support the state's community-based health service groups including alcohol and other drug treatment clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'COVID-19 has changed the way we live our lives, placing greater stress on families and communities which is unfortunately leading to an increase in alcohol use and higher risk of alcohol-fuelled harm,' said FARE CEO Caterina Giorgi.
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Health Professionals

16 April

Non-COVID patients also need care
Patients in need of routine care for chronic and other conditions should feel they can see the doctor and not be dissuaded by fear of COVID-19, the Consumers Health Forum said. 'We are concerned at reports by professional bodies and health services that patients are putting off seeing the doctor or going to hospitals because of worries about catching COVID-19,' the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells said. 'We hear that attendances at many GP clinics, pathology centres, hospital emergency departments and other health services are down significantly. That should be a concern for all Australians'.
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TAS: Supporting our hardworking paramedics
Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney said keeping Tasmanians safe and secure is the Tasmanian Government's highest priority as Tasmanians continue to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak in the state's North West. 'We know how hard our paramedics are working right now, which is why we want to do everything we possibly can to support them during this time, so I am pleased Ambulance Tasmania is in the process of finalising a new contract for vehicle cleaning services in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport' said Ms Courtney. 'Currently the cleaning of ambulance vehicles is undertaken by paramedics, volunteers or managers, which can reduce the availability of our paramedics at a time we need them the most'.
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TAS: Testing for healthcare workers must be prioritised
The Tasmanian government must act quickly and proactively to ensure all healthcare and other hospital staff on the North West Coast have access to COVID-19 testing without delay, said Tasmanian Labor Leader Rebecca White. Ms White said despite increased testing capacity, some workers in the health system are waiting 48 hours to access testing. 'The government said that testing would be ramped up, with capacity for 500 tests a day in Tasmania,' Ms White said. 'But despite this, only 100 tests were conducted in the North West - the epicentre of the crisis - and some staff have been told they'll have to wait 48 hours for a test'.
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15 April

QLD: Sixty new paramedics for Queensland to boost COVID-19 frontline response
The fight against COVID-19 continues with additional Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers fast-tracked into Queensland communities to assist in the pandemic response. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the addition to the workforce will help cater for an increase in demand for health care in Queensland if needed. Queensland Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said Queenslanders can be reassured the Queensland State Government is continuing to boost frontline resources to assist patients who've contracted the virus. 'Our healthcare workers are literally facing the virus head on during our fight against this pandemic,' Minister Miles said.
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14 April

Virtual educational visits now available from NPS MedicineWise
NPS MedicineWise is now delivering its free educational visiting service virtually via video call across Australia so health professionals can participate in these evidence-based educational activities without a face-to-face appointment. CEO Adj A/Prof Steve Morris said the current and upcoming programs will continue to be delivered through the NPS MedicineWise field force of educational visitors. 'We recognise that the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for primary care, however we also know health professionals will still be seeking educational opportunities to stay informed and up to date with the latest evidence and guidelines on a range of therapeutic areas,' said Mr Morris.
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NT: Facing off against the virus
Health workers testing for coronavirus in the Katherine region will receive about 70 face shields manufactured by eight Taminmin College students, said the NT Department of Education. Armed with a guillotine, hot glue guns and a heavy-duty hole punch, the years 9 and 10 collegians made the headwear from A3 laminating pouches, foam roll and elastic. The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory guided the students by providing the pattern for the shields, and instructions for their construction. Year 10 project enthusiast Aston Wilson was keen to help clinicians, nurses and allied health professionals in Aboriginal community health centres.
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VIC: Boosting paramedic recruits on coronavirus frontline
The Victorian State Government will fast-track the recruitment of 120 extra paramedics to boost the frontline of Victoria's coronavirus response and help ensure all Victorians get the health support they need when they need it. Victorian Minister for Ambulance Services Jenny Mikakos said the new paramedics would be brought forward from the next financial year, to hit the ground from next month. This means Ambulance Victoria will have the resources it needs to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and flu season, while still providing the very best care to all Victorians, no matter what their condition is.
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13 April

GP registrations halved in two decades as incentives drop
Registration as a general practitioner was about as half as likely for 2004-2007 medical graduates as it was for 1985-1987 graduates, according to the authors of research published online by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). 'The number of GPs in Australia has been falling, a situation previously described for nations with poorer health outcomes,' wrote the authors, led by Associate Professor Denese Playford, from the Rural Clinical School of WA. 'The reasons for the decline are many, but this phenomenon has not been described in detail in the peer-reviewed literature.'
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SA: Community recruitment drive for united coronavirus response
The South Australian Government is recruiting more doctors, pharmacists and allied and scientific health professionals to bolster South Australia's public health workforce as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response. South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said recruiting extra health professionals will ensure hospitals, health sites, aged care facilities and dedicated COVID-19 clinics have the skilled workforce required to manage an increased demand on the health system. 'These new recruits will form a vital part of our frontline team, supporting our current workforce during this unprecedented public health response,' Mr Wade said.
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9 April

QLD: Darling Downs Health Heroes combatting the COVID-19 crisis
Darling Downs doctors, nurses, paramedics and health professionals are expected to receive up to $130 million in extra funding to ramp up their COVID-19 preparations thanks to the Government. Queensland Minister Miles met with staff at Toowoomba Hospital to thank them for their dedication to protecting their community. 'COVID-19 has impacted communities across our state, and I would like to thank the staff at Toowoomba Hospital for their ongoing dedication to protecting their fellow Queenslanders,' Mr Miles said.
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Hospitals

16 April

TAS: Supporting our hard working paramedics
Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney said keeping Tasmanians safe and secure is the Tasmanian Government's highest priority as Tasmanians continue to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak in the state's North West. 'We know how hard our paramedics are working right now, which is why we want to do everything we possibly can to support them during this time, so I am pleased Ambulance Tasmania is in the process of finalising a new contract for vehicle cleaning services in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport' said Ms Courtney. 'Currently the cleaning of ambulance vehicles is undertaken by paramedics, volunteers or managers, which can reduce the availability of our paramedics at a time we need them the most'.
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TAS: Testing for healthcare workers must be prioritised
The Tasmanian government must act quickly and proactively to ensure all healthcare and other hospital staff on the North West Coast have access to COVID-19 testing without delay, said Tasmanian Labor Leader Rebecca White. Ms White said despite increased testing capacity, some workers in the health system are waiting 48 hours to access testing. 'The government said that testing would be ramped up, with capacity for 500 tests a day in Tasmania,' Ms White said. 'But despite this, only 100 tests were conducted in the North West - the epicentre of the crisis - and some staff have been told they'll have to wait 48 hours for a test'.
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VIC: Extra beds open at Bendigo Health for coronavirus
Bendigo Health has been given a major boost with 45 new hospital beds, as the Victorian Government bolsters the state's health system to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Sixteen beds are already open, and the remaining beds are ready to open when they are needed. The new hospital also has built-in capacity for 20 additional intensive care beds if they are required in emergency situations. Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos said: 'Our hospital admissions for coronavirus have remained steady so far thanks to the actions we've put in place to slow the spread - but this is not the time to become complacent.'
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VIC: New beds open across Victoria in pandemic capacity boost
New hospital beds are opening across Victoria as the state's health system gears up to manage increased presentations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and ensure all patients get the care they need. Victorian Minister Mikakos said the Victorian Government's $1.9 billion health funding boost had allowed the state's hospitals to build more bed capacity and recommission buildings no longer used for healthcare. When complete, the health system's surge capacity will be boosted by more than 700 beds across Victoria.
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14 April

Defence medical personnel to deploy to Tasmania
The Australian Defence Force will deploy personnel to Tasmania as part of an Australian Medical Assistance Team-led Commonwealth response, following a request for assistance from the Tasmanian State Government. Around 40 Defence and seven civilian medical professionals will arrive in Burnie by air, before moving to the North West Regional Hospital as soon as the deep clean has been completed. Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said Defence prioritised the request following notification from Emergency Management Australia, as part of the National Coordination Mechanism. Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the AUSMAT deployment would strengthen North West Tasmania's hospital system during the unprecedented COVID-19 health emergency.
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13 April

Telemedicine improves acute stroke outcomes in regional settings
Telemedicine support has improved access to acute stroke therapies in regional hospitals in Victoria, 12 months on from the launch of a pilot program in 16 hospitals, according to the authors of research published online by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). The Victorian Stroke Telemedicine program allows emergency department clinical staff to contact a stroke specialist on a dedicated toll-free telephone number. 'Audio-visual consultation between the VST stroke specialist, ED clinical staff, and patients (family, carers) was facilitated by a telemedicine cart (mobile computer and camera) at the bedside of the patient,' wrote the researchers.
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Insurance

16 April

16 APR 2020: DEPT OF HEALTH: Private Health Insurance Circular PHI 28/20 - Second-Tier Updates

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Medicare

None this edition.

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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

12 April

VIC: Surge funding helping our mental health system during crisis
The Government has announced a funding boost to support Victoria's mental health system and ensure Victorians get the care they need, as demand for services spikes during the coronavirus crisis. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley announced a $59.4 million package to help meet demand as Victorians reach out for help with stress, isolation and uncertainty. 'While staying at home and limiting physical interaction is vital to slowing the spread of the virus, it can be difficult for people's mental health and wellbeing - particularly for those already experiencing mental health conditions' said Mr Andrews.
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9 April

Free coronavirus wellbeing support service
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said a new 24/7 support service specifically designed to help people through the COVID-19 pandemic is now available free of charge to all Australians. 'The Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service has been developed by Beyond Blue to address the growing mental health impact of the pandemic, including fear about the virus, financial stress, family stress, anxiety and loneliness' said Mr Hunt. 'The service offers easy access to a broad range of practical supports from online wellbeing tips, self-help tools to phone counselling from trained mental health professionals and peer to peer support'.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals

16 April

Federal Court of Australia grants interim injunction to prevent advertising by Evolution Supplements Australia
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said the Federal Court of Australia has granted an interim injunction to prevent Evolution Supplements Australia Pty Ltd (Evolution Supplements Australia) and its sole director, Mr Cumhur Keskin, from advertising specified therapeutic goods. The injunction, granted by consent, is the latest development in Federal Court proceedings initiated by the Secretary of the Department of Health against Evolution Supplements Australia and Mr Keskin for alleged unlawful advertising of various therapeutic goods. The injunction will remain in place until further order of the Federal Court and follows the commencement of Federal Court proceedings on 4 March 2020.
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Medical device labelling obligations
The TGA released information explains the labelling requirements for medical devices to help manufacturers and sponsors meet their obligations. 'Labelling refers to labels and other information that must be provided with a medical device. All medical devices supplied in Australia must meet the relevant Essential Principles for safety and performance to ensure the device is safe and performs as intended' said the TGA. 'Essential Principle 13 of Schedule 1 of the Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices) Regulations 2002 (the Regulations) outlines the requirements for information that must be provided with a medical device, including labelling and instructions for use'.
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Do your bit! Your flu vaccination can help reduce the burden on our healthcare system
The more people who are vaccinated against the flu this season, the less the flu will spread in the community. Minimising the spread of flu is a good way to reduce strain on hospitals and the healthcare system in general during the current COVID-19 pandemic, said NPS MedicineWise. 'Influenza (the flu) is a major cause of illness in Australia and people die of the flu every year. Last year's flu vaccine will not give protection this year' said NPS MedicineWise. 'The vaccine needs to be taken every year as every year there are new strains of the virus'.
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