❓ Mr Kirkup questions the Premier on preparedness for a COVID-19 outbreak during flu season, specifically regarding additional medical resources. The Premier outlines potential measures like delaying elective surgery, utilising staff pools, and establishing COVID clinics.
AnsweredQoN 104Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
CORONAVIRUS — FLU SEASON IMPACT
104. Mr Z.R.F. KIRKUP to the Premier:
I note the Premier's
response to the opposition leader's question in which he stated
concerns about the seasonal flu, and that last year our emergency departments
were overwhelmed with record ramping and bed shortages. Will the Premier
outline to the house how many additional doctors, nurses and intensive care
beds will be required to manage the additional burden if a COVID-19 outbreak
occurs during this year's flu season?
104. Mr Z.R.F. KIRKUP to the Premier:
I note the Premier's
response to the opposition leader's question in which he stated
concerns about the seasonal flu, and that last year our emergency departments
were overwhelmed with record ramping and bed shortages. Will the Premier
outline to the house how many additional doctors, nurses and intensive care
beds will be required to manage the additional burden if a COVID-19 outbreak
occurs during this year's flu season?
AnswerView source ↗
When we responded to this issue
over the last week or the week before, the minister and I indicated publicly
that there would be certain measures made
available in relation to health. Clearly, if the situation demands it,
non-urgent elective surgery would potentially be delayed in our
hospitals to free up beds for people who may require it in relation to
suffering from coronavirus. I think it is a sensible precaution that we prepare
for that eventuality. I think that most people across the state would
understand that that is a sensible precaution. When it comes to staffing availability, staff pools can allow for recruiting
of people to put them on the front line, and, obviously, the department is preparing for that eventuality. Thirdly, this morning we opened the three
COVID clinics, and planned to open further COVID clinics across both the
metropolitan area and regional WA to cope with the situation.
over the last week or the week before, the minister and I indicated publicly
that there would be certain measures made
available in relation to health. Clearly, if the situation demands it,
non-urgent elective surgery would potentially be delayed in our
hospitals to free up beds for people who may require it in relation to
suffering from coronavirus. I think it is a sensible precaution that we prepare
for that eventuality. I think that most people across the state would
understand that that is a sensible precaution. When it comes to staffing availability, staff pools can allow for recruiting
of people to put them on the front line, and, obviously, the department is preparing for that eventuality. Thirdly, this morning we opened the three
COVID clinics, and planned to open further COVID clinics across both the
metropolitan area and regional WA to cope with the situation.
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