BOARD
n
Thank you Living through a pandemic and experiencing firsthand its myriad impacts has brought into sharp focus the role public health and healthcare workers play in our national security, and social and economic structures. We acknowledge that despite ongoing challenges to effectively and equitably reduce infections and ensure our most vulnerable are adequately protected, compared to other countries, Australia’s response to controlling COVID-19 has been among the most successful in the world. Our media outlets and government agencies continue to do an excellent job in explaining the importance of social distancing and other restrictions to help stop the spread of the virus. We have seen, however, the rise of an unintended consequence – patients being unwilling to visit a GP either thinking they are doing the right thing per social distancing or being fearful of exposure to the virus. General practice staff have become experts at mitigating pandemic-associated risks to provide safe, high-quality care during this time. This includes effectively triaging patients who may present with COVID-19 while protecting other patients and colleagues from transmission. We can thank general practice staff for striving to ensure the on-going treatment of patients’ dayto-day health issues – whether chronic or acute – and understanding and navigating ever-changing information, advice, evidence and government incentive programs. The pivot to telehealth and other technologybased solutions combined with a broad and willing uptake by many patients has been nothing short of revolutionary and may well be viewed in the long term as a ‘silver lining’ of this pandemic. General practices have also been on the frontline of ensuring vital vaccination and immunisation coverage is effectively maintained to ensure outbreaks of preventable disease do not take hold in any way, shape or form anywhere in Australia. While infection control and prevention is always top of mind in clinical settings, once the World Health Organization announced COVID-19 a global pandemic in early March, the multi-sector demand for hand sanitiser and personal protective equipment (PPE) exploded – vastly
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outstripping supply. A particularly challenging problem for healthcare and those working on the frontline with potentially infected patients. Across Australia, general practice staff including clinicians, practice managers, nurses, receptionists and administrators banded together to source and resolve shortages, as well as clarify and share indications for correct use. We also know that during this time some general practices have faced worrying financial challenges due to a reduction in face-to-face consultation revenue combined with the additional costs of implementing new systems and process and PPE. Some practices have had to stand down nursing and support staff or take other cost-cutting measures without impacting high-quality, safe care. My hope is that these issues are short-lived; resolved through an organic shift back to a ‘new normal’ and an appropriate government response. On a personal level – as humans living and working through this crisis – primary care doctors, nurses and their support teams are no different from other citizens in that exposure to global media, COVID-19 hot spots, lockdowns, border closures and other restrictions affects them and their loved ones in many and sometimes difficult ways. Unfortunately, as a nation we continue to be at risk of COVID-19 infection. General practices will continue to be our first point of call to discuss concerns and reach a diagnosis, and receive treatment. It is with all of the above and more in mind that I – on behalf of the AGPAL Group of Companies – join with people from all states and territories to express deep gratitude to each and every general practice staff member across Australia. Whether you are a GP, nurse or other allied health clinician, support and/or administrative staff, or a general practice patient – please stay safe by continuing to adhere to government advice and look after yourselves and your families in the most holistic way possible.
Dr Richard Choong AGPAL Board Chair
