6.2.1 Supporting healthcare professionals

Forums were established during the pandemic to enhance communication between public health authorities and front-line clinicians. The Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) recognised the importance of quickly engaging more broadly with the clinicians who would be responsible for sustaining the Australian response. A new General Practice Roundtable (GPRT) was quickly established to provide this vital link, allowing concerns of GPs to be considered in decisions about key issues such as the supply of personal protective equipment to general practices.

During the response, a dedicated webpage for health professionals was created on the Health Emergency website. The CMO also regularly provided GPs with written information about the progress of the pandemic and advice on diagnostic testing, the use of antiviral medication and the vaccination program. Specific communications and updates were also provided to other areas of the health sector, such as community pharmacies, aged care services, private laboratory and pathology services and private hospitals, either directly to service providers or through other forums and networks.

The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN), working in partnership with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), was contracted to deliver education, training and reminders to general practice staff on infection control, appropriate diagnostic testing and the effective use and safe disposal of personal protective equipment.

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Review of Australia’s Health Sector Response to Pandemic (H1N1) 2009: Lessons Identified(PDF 1023 KB)