The Pandemic Code Brown will enable hospitals to access a range of critical levers for meeting the unprecedented challenges of the next month, including the movement of healthcare workers across the healthcare network, support from the Australian Defence Force and the release of federal funding.
ACEM understands this may be a period of concern for the Victorian public who may fear they will not be able to access medical care in a medical emergency.
ACEM stresses that people experiencing medical emergencies will be prioritised, and will receive acute care, but that care may be in a different location to what was expected and warns there may be delays in care.
ACEM recognises the strain this extremely challenging period is having on healthcare workers and hospital staff and encourages FACEMs and trainees to reach out to the College for support if required.
ACEM Faculty Chair Dr Mya Cubitt said, "We welcome the messaging from the Department of Health that the Pandemic Code Brown is designed to facilitate much-needed workforce relief and recovery, as much as it is designed to respond to capacity and demand challenges and service delivery."
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
