Supporting primary care
In response to the 2019-2020 bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, we took on new responsibilities to support communities in their recovery from drought and bushfire trauma, and to help coordinate the Commonwealth Government's pandemic response. In 2022, we developed an Action Plan: Disaster Preparedness and Response, outlining five key objectives. We are now pleased to be able to highlight the the work we have undertaken to achieve them in our 2022 - 2024 Closeout Report.
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CPD ACTIVITY: Disaster preparedness in general practice
Are you a practice owner, GP, Practice Manager, or someone appointed as your practice's emergency coordinator?
COORDINARE have created an RACGP and ACRRM CPD Approved mini audit looking at Disaster Preparedness planning in general practice.
When completing this activity, you will critically analyse the plans and procedures that are already in place in your practice, learn about the best practice principles involved in business continuity and disaster planning, then choose and plan one area for quality improvement.
To find out more, click here.
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The role of primary care in disasters
General practices play a critical role in responding to emergencies and should consider a business continuity plan in the event of a disaster.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) developed the Managing emergencies in general practice guide to assist practices in disaster preparation, response and recovery.
In July 2024, they also created a new resource to guide GPs working in evacuation centres during an emergency and issued a new position statement on the role of GPs in emergencies.
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Disaster response register
We maintain registers of primary care staff and organisations willing to assist during a disaster situation.
For individuals wishing to register their interest in providing support in the event of an emergency, click here.
For organisations that may be able to: scale up and open for longer hours, host clinical and/or administrative staff from affected organisations, provide vaccine fridge space, or temporarily take on new patients in the event of an emergency, click here.
Expressed availability is voluntary and continually assessed throughout any situation.
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Key sources of COVID-19 information
We encourage you to view the latest advice and information from NSW Health, the Department of Health and Aged Care, and the RACGP.
Find vaccine guidance from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.
You can also visit our Immunisation or Infection control webpages.
Prepare, respond and recover
We have a role in the immediate response to disaster situations, plus a growing role helping source and coordinate people or resources that can assist in response and recovery. Find further information, advice and resources below.