GCPHN Health Professionals COVID-19 Updates

• Gold Coast COVID-19 Pathway

Click here to view all COVID-19 clinics and testing options available in the Gold Coast region.

Distribution of PPE through PHNs

As part of the continued response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Department of Health has provided GCPHN a limited supply of surgical masks for general practices and pharmacies. This guidance document is provided to ensure consistent and transparent management of the limited supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Surgical masks: For GPs and pharmacies and staff for infection control, for suspected and confirmed patients and where local public health directions recommend masking in all clinical settings.
• P2/N95 masks: Specifically for GPs who are prepared and able to undertake specimen collection in their surgeries. P2/N95 respirators are only required for aerosol generating procedures.

To request surgical masks, please fill in this form

To request P2/N95 masks, please fill in this form

For other general enquiries related to PPE please email: covid-19@gcphn.com.au

PPE, fit checking and fit testing information

Information for health professionals about fit-testing and fit-checking of P2/N95 masks and the use of PPE equipment, are available in a recent GP update about COVID-19, which has been published by Gold Coast Primary Health Network. View this information here.

• Two local companies have provided the following information if you are interested in organising fit testing for your staff:

Fit Testing

• • They offer a mobile service only – testing is done in their mobile van
  • Cost depending on numbers e.g. over 5 tests = $82.50/per assessment (incl. GST) – price reduces the more people are tested.
  • Test price includes training and a card with the persons photo and mask fitted (certification id)
  • Two people can be tested every 15 minutes.
  • Contact number 0428 800 906.

Kinnect

• • Based in Burleigh and can conduct either in your clinic or at their site
  • Cost $105/per assessment
  • Contact number 07 5655 5045

GCPHN does not warrant the quality or suitability of these services and  asks that you make your own enquiries to ensure the services meet your needs.

The Department of Health is providing access to a limited stockpile of eye protection goggles for general practices.

Primary Health Networks (PHNs) have been given the role of distributing eye protection goggles to general practices including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and GP respiratory clinics, with a demonstrated need, for example:

• local transmission patterns of COVID-19 and local public health recommendations for eye protection in clinical settings.
• where there is no alternative commercial supply available and lack of eye protection is preventing practices from reviewing patients face-to-face when required.
• where practices have an unusually high number of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms.

Note, at this stage, the supply of eye protection is a single distribution rather than an ongoing supply. Eye protection goggles are intended for reuse. GCPHN will consider distribution of two items per worker (including health workers and administrative staff).

PHNs have the flexibility to determine allocation of eye protection. The quantity you request should take into account your practice size and need. This includes the number of patients your practice is likely to see face-to-face, rather than via telehealth, and the availability of other services.

Please note: PHNs are also able to distribute stocks to:

• after-hours GP home visiting services
• Medical Deputising Services (MDS)
• Nurse practitioner owned or led primary care practices in their area

To request eye protection (goggles), please fill in this form

For information on intended use of eye protection, use and reuse of eye protection including cleaning and disinfection and further information, view the Tranche 5 eye protection guidance for Qld PHNs.

For other general inquiries related to PPE please email: covid-19@gcphn.com.au

• COVID-19 Tip Sheet – Advice for GPs with patients in an RACF
• Maintaining Good Mental Health for GP Staff
• Health Professionals COVID-19 Vaccine Roadmap Information Sheet
• COVID-19 vaccination information for healthcare workers
• COVID-19 Vaccines Safety

For information on what steps you should take over the first 24 hour period after the identification of a COVID-19 positive case in an RACF, please refer to our Education and Training page.

There is a range of eLearning modules that have been developed specifically for Aged Care workers which can be accessed here.

If you would like to access the Aged Care training, users will need to register their workplaces as ‘Aged Care’. If you have already registered for online training but not with ‘Aged Care’ as your workplace, email support@covid-19training.gov.au for a priority response.

For more information, view page three of this guidance document.

If Commonwealth funded aged care providers are experiencing shortages and are unable to
obtain masks from any other source, the National Medical Stockpile may be in a position to
provide a small supply. This is to supplement existing supplies for aged care providers, including DVA aged care providers.

All requests will be considered, and, if appropriate, approval will be given to dispatch stock from the states and territories. States and territories may distribute National Medical Stockpile supplies to Commonwealth funded aged care providers, on behalf of the Commonwealth.

After a facility has explored alternative supply options, they may request supply from the National Medical Stockpile by emailing AgedCareCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au. This request will be reviewed and triaged based on need and urgency, with priority given to aged care providers where there has been a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19. Facilities may be contacted for further information about their request to determine priority, and may also be requested to reimburse the Stockpile at cost depending on circumstances.

Distribution of surgical masks through PHNs

On 19 April 2020, the Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, announced a one-off deployment of surgical masks from the National Medical Stockpile for allied health professionals. This guidance document is provided to ensure consistent and transparent management of the limited supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).

To request surgical masks, please fill in this form

For other general enquiries related to PPE please email: covid-19@gcphn.com.au

The Australian Government Department of Health is providing access to a limited stockpile of eye protection goggles for allied health professionals.

As supplies are limited, PHNs have been given the role of distributing eye protection goggles to allied health professionals with a demonstrated need, for example:

• local transmission patterns of COVID-19 and local public health recommendations for eye protection in clinical settings
• where there is no alternative commercial supply available and lack of eye protection is preventing professionals from reviewing patients face-to-face when required
• the extent to which the allied health professional can manipulate their environment or practice method to minimise the chance of transmission. For example, due to the nature of their work, it’s not easy for a diagnostic radiographer to change their mode of practice or environment. A dietitian or psychologist may be able to continue to provide services through telehealth.

As per tranche 5 guidelines, unless you are required to as part of your core business, or the patient’s care cannot be deferred, allied health professionals should not see patients who are at a higher risk of COVID-19. This includes those in quarantine or with respiratory symptoms, regardless of the local epidemiology of COVID-19.

Note, at this stage, the supply of eye protection is a single distribution rather than an ongoing supply. Eye protection goggles are intended for reuse. GCPHN will consider distribution of two items per worker.

Primary Health Networks have the flexibility to determine allocation of eye protection. Supply is strictly in accordance with clinical advice and prioritises distribution to high risk areas.

To request eye protection (goggles), please fill in this form

For information on intended use of eye protection, use and reuse of eye protection including cleaning and disinfection and further information, view the Tranche 5 eye protection guidance for Qld PHNs.

For other general enquiries related to PPE please email: covid-19@gcphn.com.au

COVID-19 vaccine information in your language

Information about COVID-19 vaccines has been translated into multiple languages. Visit the Department of Health website to access  a number of resources containing helpful information on COVID-19 vaccines and COVIDSafe behaviours.

The Department of Home Affairs has a dedicated website – COVID-19 information in your language which provides culturally and linguistically diverse communities with a single source of information in 63 languages other than English.