As forecasts and warnings emerge, disaster response begins with early, “no-regrets” actions. This may include monitoring conditions, activating emergency plans, briefing staff, securing facilities and preparing patient communications. Early action helps reduce risk, prevent avoidable harm and support continuity of care if conditions deteriorate.

During a disaster, the priority is safety of staff, patients and the community. Practices may need to adjust services, reduce hours, shift to telehealth or temporarily close based on local conditions and official advice.

Clear communication, documentation of key decisions and coordination with local partners are critical to managing disruption and ensuring patients can access appropriate care.

Once immediate risks have passed, disaster response shifts to recovery and restoration of services. This may involve assessing damage, restoring systems, supporting staff wellbeing, reviewing cold chain impacts and re-establishing normal operations.

Recovery also provides an opportunity to review what worked well, identify gaps and strengthen preparedness for future events.

GCPHN supports the primary care sector throughout all phases of disaster response by:

• Sharing timely updates and trusted information
• Supporting coordination and communication across primary care
• Providing guidance, tools and resources to assist practices before, during and after emergencies

Effective disaster response helps minimise impacts, supports faster recovery and strengthens the resilience of primary care services across the Gold Coast.

• Managing Emergencies in General Practice: A Guide for Preparation, Response and Recovery.
• Disaster Recovery Wellbeing Support State-wide NSW

For further information please contact, Shannon Heathcote our dedicated Disaster Preparedness Officer via email ShannonH@gcphn.com.au or call 07 5612 5467.

• Ensure vaccine refrigerators are connected to backup power.
• Nominate a staff member to be responsible in the event of a power outage after business hours.
• Check temperature monitoring systems and have a current Vaccine Management Protocol (VMP) in place.
• Ensure sufficient power outage equipment (adequate number of coolers, ice/gel packs, insulating material (e.g. bubble wrap) and a battery-operated minimum / maximum thermometer or portable data logger.
• Consider relocating vaccines if prolonged power loss is expected. Never transport vaccines to another refrigerator, cooler or facility without a min/max temperature monitoring device or data logger
• Consider buddying-up with another practice for temporary refrigeration and facility sharing if needed.
• If no suitable alternative monitored storage option, isolate the vaccines and leave them in the refrigerator with the door closed for the duration of the power outage. Do not use or discard vaccines until you have received advice from the Gold Coast Public Health Unit.