To minimise the impacts on the health system, and to protect vulnerable communities, ACEM encourages all people that have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so as soon as possible. Vaccines available in Australia are overwhelmingly safe and effective. ACEM also urges people in the Northern Territory to seek testing if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
ACEM Northern Territory Faculty Chair Dr Stephen Gourley said, 'We knew an outbreak of COVID-19 in the Northern Territory was a matter of when – not if. We are nervous, but we are prepared for a potential surge in COVID-19, and for a further stretch on our health system's paper-thin resources.'
'We are all working hard to keep emergency departments safe for people. Please do not hesitate to seek acute care if you need it. We are here for you, and we want to see you.'
'To protect our communities, our healthcare systems, and our lifestyles, please, if you haven't already – get vaccinated. It is safe, effective and it could save a life.'
'We urge anyone with COVID-19 to immediately seek help if your condition worsens. We are here to help you.'
Dr Gourley said that a COVID-19 surge will increase pressure on an already overwhelmed system. 'Our hospitals are already overstretched. Extreme and dangerous access block in our emergency departments, due in part to a lack of staff, hospital beds, and community care, remains the biggest threat to our healthcare systems. To fix it, we need whole-of-system healthcare reform.'
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
