The hidden medico-legal risks of sharing information electronically The use of electronic communication in general practice is essential, but just how risky is sending emails or electronic pathology referrals?
Fit-tested PPE and HEPA filtration ‘best protection’ for health workers, study finds New Australian research adds further evidence that more needs to be done to protect healthcare workers from aerosol spread.
‘Urgently needed’ guidance issued for healthcare COVID exposure sites A new matrix developed by the Department of Health allows clinics to assess their level of risk without having to furlough entire practice teams.
Post-vaccination life ‘is not going to be a pre-COVID experience’ Australia needs to ‘redefine what freedom looks like’ and formalise nationally consistent standards on containment safeguards like ventilation and mask-wearing, GPs and public health experts have stated.
COVID outbreaks increase urgency of PPE fit-testing for GPs With reports of the Delta variant spreading through the community, GPs say more needs to be done to protect doctors, practice staff and patients.
Is Australia ready for the COVID Delta variant? With cases emerging in most states and territories, experts are concerned Australia is ill-prepared.
New national face mask guidelines released All healthcare workers providing direct patient care for individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should have access to P2/N95 respirators.
‘There is airborne transmission’ – but still no sign of PPE upgrades While the latest COVID outbreak in Australia has seen people become infected via only ‘fleeting contact’, consensus guidelines on aerosol protection remain under review.
‘Nervous’ wait for aerosol guidelines following another HQ leak Consensus guidelines on face mask and eye protection against COVID are currently with ICEG for review.
‘A welcome step’: WHO acknowledges aerosol spread of COVID-19 But experts say the Australian Government’s infection control group must now update its advice to ensure new strategies to reduce transmission risks.