If you believe you have been in contact with an infected patient/person, please ring the coronavirus hotline for assistance and advice.
1800 020 080
This hotline is open 24 hours and day, 7 days a week.MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
If you need support for your mental health and wellbeing at this time, please contact one of these helpful services:
13 11 14 – Lifeline
1300 22 4636 – Beyond Blue
1300 134 130 – Wire
OTHER RESOURCES:
Australian Government Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
STATE RESOURCES:
Australian Capital Territory https://www.health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/updated-information-about-covid-19
New South Wales https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
Northern Territory https://securent.nt.gov.au/alerts/coronavirus-covid-19-updates
Queensland https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19
South Australia https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/health+topics/health+topics+a+-+z/novel+coronavirus
Victoria https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
West Australia https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus
Radiopaedia is an online resource – the below link is to an evolving article on COVID-19 which is updated every few hours to reflect the most up-to-date information, including information for medical imaging departments.
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/covid-19-3?lang=us
A message from the President
The Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy advises all members dealing with Coronavirus patients, or those suspected of having the virus, to be aware of and follow the guiding principles of the State and Commonwealth governments and their local health authorities. Links to the State and Commonwealth information pages are included above. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, be mindful that these are being regularly updated and policies may be revised.
It is acknowledged that medical radiation practitioners are, and will be, at the front line for healthcare. There are ways that you as individuals can support the ongoing provision of care. For all interactions, we should observe standard precautions. As healthcare workers, we all practice good hand hygiene. At this time, we all need to do so with increased diligence. Ensure that you are familiar with the local documented policies and procedures for any suspected or confirmed Coronavirus patients. Review the processes and guidelines for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for patients and staff and ensure that you are aware of when PPE should be used. Please also ensure that you are familiar with your local risk assessment and infection control processes that dictate the ‘how, when and where’ imaging takes place and the controls in place for PPE and decontamination.
ASMIRT is aware that medical imaging and radiation oncology departments around Australia will have developed contingency plans for continuing to provide services. This will include measures to address staff shortages due to increased sick leave and carers responsibilities. We encourage all members to monitor their own health and well-being and the well-being of your colleagues. In this challenging time we need to work together with the multidisciplinary team ensuring our own safety and providing optimal care for patients throughout Australia.
Regards
Bronwyn Hilder
President
