The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) today stated its serious concerns around the growing shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Tasmanian nurses, midwives and care workers
Nurses and Midwives Safety Concerns Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) today stated its serious concerns around the growing shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Tasmanian nurses, midwives and care workers across the State in the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“The ANMF is hearing grave concerns from members relating to the ongoing supply of PPE for front line workers,” ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd said.
“Nurses, midwives, and care workers in the states hospitals, general practice’s, aged care facilities and community settings have reported that there is a shortage of PPE which appears to be getting worse.
“We are calling on both the State and Federal Governments to provide information on how much PPE is being stockpiled and how many weeks supply is available.”
Ms Shepherd said it is absolutely critical, that nurses, midwives, and care workers have the essential PPE to enable them to complete their jobs safely and confidently.
“Our nurses, midwives and care workers need assurance that a steady supply of PPE can be manufactured in Australia in a timely way. That is what our membership needs right now in the face of an increasingly deteriorating health crisis.”
Ms Shepherd thanked the Tasmanian community for its ongoing support of all nurses, midwives, and care workers.
“We know Tasmanians would want the government, State and Federal, to ensure that critical PPE is only used as advised by healthcare officials.
“Ensuring that the additional PPE is available will assist in keeping our health care professionals as safe as they can be so they can continue to care for the community at this difficult time.
The ANMF will continue to advocate for the safety or nurses, midwives, and care workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as they are and will continue to be, on the frontline of this fight against COVID-19.
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Media contact:
Emily Shepherd, Branch Secretary
Mobile: 0400 884 021
Email: emily.shepherd@anmftas.org.au
Published 18th March 2020