The Australian Government has provided the following important update for general practice about PPE following yesterday’s launch of the National COVID-19 Health Management Plan for 2023.
Key points:
- The distribution of PPE through Living with COVID funding will cease on 31 December 2022
- Healthcare providers should lodge final orders by COB on Wednesday, 14 December 2022
- Hand sanitiser will not be provided as part of a PPE order as stock has depleted
All Living with COVID (LWC) measures scheduled to cease on 31 December 2022 have been reviewed.
As part of this review, the government has confirmed the distribution of PPE through the Living with COVID funding will cease on 31 December 2022. There will be no further extensions. The Department of Health and Aged Care’s (DHAC) contract with DHL for the distribution of PPE ceases on 31 December 2022 and no deliveries will be made after this date.
Due to the Christmas holidays and lead time for processing of orders, the last day for submission of orders to the department from PHNs is COB 15 December 2022. Therefore, general practices should lodge final orders by COB 14 December 2022 to allow one day for collation and submission by SWSPHN.
Please note the following:
- Practices should be ordering under ‘Living with COVID’ provision (excluding pharmacies and allied health)
- Practices are no longer obligated to order full LWC Bundles and are able to order specific PPE which is required by the practitioner
- If ordered, hand sanitiser will not be provided as stock has depleted
- The limit of up to 10 pulse oximeters per practice has been lifted. Eligible practices can order additional pulse oximeters
Some PPE distribution measures will continue, including support for Residential Aged Care Homes and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. More information about these measures will be provided by the end of December.