Brisbane MP scrubs up for virus duty

He’s best known to westsiders as their state MP, but Dr Christian Rowan is also a doctor and is ready to fight on the virus frontline.

He’s an MP but also a GP, so Christian Rowan is determined to fulfil his Hippocratic oath and help during the coronavirus crisis.

Greens council candidate for Paddington ward, Donna Burns, who trained as an emergency care nurse, said she also was prepared to step up.

Dr Rowan, the LNP MP for Moggill, is also an addiction medicine specialist at the Wesley and St Andrews hospitals and a GP who still practices on the southside.

Politicians are given special leave so they can perform the minimum number of practice hours required to maintain their registration.

Dr Rowan said he had increased his practising schedule by about 10-12 hours a week to help during the pandemic.

“I treat a lot of patients with chronic, complex diseases who are at risk and have been swabbing people who meet the criteria for testing,’’ he said.

“Parliament is not sitting at the moment, which makes it easier, but I’ve been increasing the hours mostly on weekends.

“When I became a doctor I took a pledge to help people whenever I could.’’

Dr Rowan said all health professionals, including himself, had at the back of their minds thoughts that they could contract coronavirus while helping the sick.

“But I look at it this way - for all my health colleagues who are facing these things, it does sit at the back of your mind but I took an oath to provide assistance where I could,’’ he said.

“We all face the same risk but we wear protective clothing and take all the precautions.

“Everybody (medical professionals) is having to make a contribution, anyone who is a nurse, a doctor or involved in the health system in some way is now thinking how they could contribute.’’

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Dr Rowan said he had put in place procedures in case he did get infected so his family was safe and looked after.

“The most important contribution that every resident can make, to help limit the spread of the Novel coronavirus, and assist healthcare professionals, is to comply with public health advice and directives, including practising regular hand hygiene, adhering to social and physical distancing, covering any cough with their elbow, staying home if unwell and seeking medical advice, and adhering to restrictions on social gatherings and business operations,’’ he said.

“I would also encourage residents to keep up to date with the latest health advice and information on a range of job-related, business and other supports by visiting www.australia.gov.au, www.health.qld.gov.au, www.business.gov.au and www.business.qld.gov.au.”

Ms Burns said she would fast track her registration so she could help if needed, regardless of whether she won Paddington ward.

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“I have worked in the healthcare sector for over 20 years, first registering as a registered nurse in 1993 and specialising in emergency care,’’ she said.

“I will be dusting off my tools, fast tracking my registration and offering my skills if needed during this pandemic.

“The health and wellbeing of our community is now more important than ever.’’