Coast medical centres desperate for vital supplies

Medical centres across the Sunshine Coast are crying out for PPE with supplies down to bare bones and no relief in sight.

Nurse Manager Lindley Mattiazzi from SunCoast Christian Health Centre is running dangerously low on PPE. Especially gowns. They are all stored in a tiny cupboard under lock and key.

MEDICAL centres across the Sunshine Coast are crying out for personal protective equipment (PPE) with supplies down to bare bones and no relief in sight.

AMA Sunshine Coast president Dr Roger Faint said general practices across the Coast were so stretched many had run out in the fight against COVID-19.

SunCoast Christian Health Centre owner Shanti Herbert said her Buderim-based clinic was "desperately" low.

"We had to source our own too, but we managed to find a small amount online," Ms Herbert said.

"PPE is expensive and it is supposed to be one-use only. We are desperate for more. I think we have eight to 10 days left max.

"We need gowns, masks, headwear but some of it is impossible to get hold of.

"We got a quote from someone selling gowns for $20 each."

Dr Faint said the shortage started in February when the coronavirus pandemic set in.

"Really there are very few centres who have full access to masks and gowns and it is almost impossible to get laminated masks," Dr Faint said.

"The PHN (Primary Health Network) is handing them out in small numbers, centres are getting a box worth, not a cupboard's worth.

"It's just been an ongoing saga and they don't seem to be able to keep up."

PHN Sunshine Coast senior manager Robb Major said 18,000 masks had been delivered since the government's pandemic response commenced.

"Our online request and distribution system ensures 24 to 48 hour turnaround for delivery to practices in need, and our mask distribution team continues to work onsite as an essential workforce, managing this process," Mr Major said.

"Despite international shortages of PPE, we have had adequate supply of masks from the national stockpile, and continue to receive regular deliveries which we distribute as we receive requests.

"In accordance with expert clinical recommendations, we are distributing surgical and P2 masks, which are suitable for standard medical procedures.

"Any practices that are operating as respiratory clinics, and conducting specific COVID-19 testing, have access to more comprehensive PPE, including gloves, googles and face shields."

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