We are working closely with RACGP WA, AMA WA and WA Department of Health to support the primary care sector in its response to COVID-19.
Meeting Updates
COVID-19 Preparedness and Primary Care Response Forum 22 February
Key discussion points and outcomes
COVID-19 Guidelines for healthcare practices in the community in a high and very high caseload environment
Following a request from primary care organisations for guidelines on the assessment of risk in the event of a COVID-19 exposure in clinical setting, and how a determination will be made regarding furloughing of staff and temporary closure of businesses, the WA Department of Health has consulted on the content of the guideline, and incorporated feedback from the RACGP(WA), AMA(WA) and WA Primary Health Alliance.
The guidelines will be of considerable benefit to general practices, community pharmacies and other primary care organisations in their risk assessment of COVID-19 exposure and determining appropriate follow-up action. The guidelines will be released as a “living” document to be updated regularly as the COVID-19 situation in Western Australia develops.
Thanks were extended to Dr Revle Bangor-Jones, Deputy Incident Controller – Public Health in the State Health Incident Coordination Centre for her work leading the preparation of the guidelines.
COVID-19 Outbreak in RACFs – early lessons learned
The meeting considered actions responding to lessons from the involvement of a general practitioner in the outbreak of COVID-19 at the Juniper Cygnet Aged Care Facility. Areas of learning related to access to guidelines for outbreak management, involvement in outbreak planning and response, and access to antiviral therapies. A bulletin outlining these improvements will be prepared and distributed.