I would like to begin this update by thanking our hard-working clinical teams who have responded with their usual professionalism and calm to public concern around the Coronavirus.
As a result of caring for the first patient in Australia with Coronavirus, Monash Health has seen significant media attention over the past few days.
Most of this reporting has been fair and accurate, recognising the exceptional work that has been done by our teams in effectively triaging, isolating and caring for this patient and minimising the risk to the community.
However, some reporting and social media commentary has been inaccurate, specifically claims that we are running out of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – which is not true, and that “hundreds” are presenting requesting tests – again this is not true. We are well supplied, and well placed to diagnose, care for and isolate patients should they arrive with the disease.
Presentations from patients who have possibly contracted the disease remain low and, to date, we have only one confirmed case.
We will keep you up-to-date with information from recognised experts. The Department of Health and Human Services provide current information for both the public and health professionals. They also have a dedicated coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398.
- Information for the public – novel coronavirus
- Information for health services and general practitioners – novel coronavirus
I invite you to join me, along with Medical Director, Infection Prevention & Epidemiology, Rhonda Stuart, and Operations Lead for Monash Health’s response, Kym Forrest, for an update on Monash Health’s response to the emerging Novel Coronavirus outbreak.
2pm, Tuesday 28 January 2020
Lecture Theatre 1
Monash Medical Centre Clayton
Also in attendance to answer any questions you may have will be our Chief Medical Officer, Anjali Dhulia, Chief Operating Officer, Martin Keogh, and Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Katrina Nankervis.
This Forum will be broadcast to other sites via BlueJeans, and the video recording will made available post-event on the intranet for those who cannot be there.
I will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Thank you, as always, for the care you provide to our community.
Regards
Andrew
Andrew Stripp
Chief Executive