Newsflash: ANMF confirm PPE stockpile and supply levels
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) have been lobbying State and Federal Government’s regarding stockpiles and supply chains of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are pleased to inform members that due to the ANMF’s ongoing advocacy for greater transparency from the State Government, we can now provide members with confidence in knowing that there is adequate PPE to keep you and your patients safe. This was confirmed today with an overview being provide by the State Government. This overview shows the amount of PPE available in State and Federal stockpiles, as well as the amount on order.
The stockpile amounts as well as those on order, are as follows:
In addition to the above, the ANMF have also welcomed plans from the Tasmanian Health Service (THS) to pilot improved guidelines around what type(s) of PPE should be used and when. This combined with greater transparency regarding types of PPE in stockpiles, will allow members to clearly and confidently select the right PPE for their clinical context.
This information signals an improved effort by the Tasmanian Government and the Department of Health to increase the level of communication and transparency for ANMF members. The ANMF will be providing feedback this week from consultation meetings between us and the Department of Health. This will allow us to provide further information on individual member concerns.
This continues to be a difficult time for members and we thank you for your continued hard work and commitment. We encourage any members with concerns to contact our Member Support Team via membersupport@anmftas.org.au or for urgent matters phone (03) 6223 6777 or 1800 001 241 (if outside Hobart). Due to the COVID-19 situation, our Member Support Team are now practicing social isolation strategies and working from home. Bearing this in mind, email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting them.
Updates correct as at 18 April 2020
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary