WA Primary Health Alliance has committed to a project which will consider the placement of general practice in Western Australia’s State Emergency Framework.
General practice can play a vital role in disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery by maintaining continuity of care at a time when communities need it most.
Recognising the significant impact that disaster has had on the community in recent years, from COVID-19 to severe flooding and bushfires, and the role primary care has had in supporting affected communities prior, during and after disaster, primary care providers must show resilience in times of disaster in order to ensure continuity of care and effective recovery from disaster.
The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has highlighted the important role of the Primary Health Networks (PHN) in emergency preparedness, especially its responsibility to build primary care’s capacity to manage emergency preparedness, planning and coordination.
PHNs are well positioned to support general practices and the primary care workforce in building capacity navigating disaster due to their connections to local services and government agencies to be able to coordinate an efficient response and share emergency management information from the relevant Hazard Management Agencies during and after disasters.
Coming soon:
Building Capacity in Disaster Preparedness and Response for General Practice – eLearning | WA Primary Health Alliance
These comprehensive eLearning modules are specifically designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding of key emergency management principles and practices in Western Australia. Through interactive, scenario-based learning, participants will explore:
- WA State Emergency Management Arrangements
- Roles and responsibilities of Hazard Management Agencies
- The 28 Prescribed Hazards
- Command and Control structures in WA
- The Australian Warning System (AWS)
- Core concepts of Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (PPRR)
- Emergency preparedness’ relevance to primary health care
Incentives:
- The module is available to all practices and will offer RACGP Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours and other CPD options for other health professions.
- Get your practice prepared for disaster to minimise the impact it will have on the business during disaster and maintain business continuity.
- Meet RACGP standards for general practice, which will support you in your practice accreditation.
General Practice Emergency Response Team Webinar
Defining the role of general practice in the State Health Emergency Response Plan.
WA Primary Health Alliance has initiated a project to explore the role of general practice in disaster scenarios and identify how primary care can be optimally positioned to provide support.
The General Practice Emergency Response Team (GPERT) project was established in response to the known and ongoing risks that disasters pose to communities served by general practice. The model aims to address the challenges faced by GPs during such events and enhance their capacity to deliver high-quality care in times of crisis.
Click below to learn more and watch the full length interviews with guest speakers Dr Tudor Codreanu, Dr Sara Renwick Lau and James Sherriff.
Dr Tudor Codreanu – Director Disaster Preparedness and Management Directorate Department of Health, MD MSc (Med) MSc(Disaster Medicine) PhD (Disaster Medicine).
Dr Sara Renwick Lau – GP based in Mallacoota in East Gippsland, with more than 20 years of experience working with regional and rural communities.
James Sherriff – Kimberley Health Response Lead and Broome Hospital Executive.
The GPERT project is dependent on a diversity of contributions that can reflect and contextualise WA’s health care needs in disaster. Please e-mail the Disaster Preparedness Team to register your interest for updates on ongoing project work at disasterpreparednessteam@wapha.org.au. Click below to expand for more.