As Sydney and New South Wales contend with Australia’s latest COVID-19 outbreak, I would like to express the College’s solidarity and support for colleagues facing significant personal and professional challenges at this time.
Prior to this latest outbreak and associated lockdowns, hospital emergency departments were already facing significant pressures. The recent growth in COVID-19 cases across greater Sydney has certainly added to these; providing additional uncertainty on personal and professional levels.
As has been the case throughout this pandemic, our College stands with colleagues contending with this latest COVID-19 threat. We emphasise that now is the time for all governments to work together, cooperatively and collaboratively, to address the immediate threat posed by the virus, while also providing the support necessary to ensure the sustainability of our healthcare system longer-term.
It is clear that at least until vaccination coverage is increased across both of our countries the threat of further COVID-19 outbreaks, lockdowns and disruptions to all of our lives remains. Our College is committed to supporting bi-national vaccination efforts, emphasising the need to get more people vaccinated, as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, our emergency medicine family across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand stands with colleagues confronting the latest challenges posed by this pandemic. We will get through this together.
Kia kaha,
Dr John Bonning
ACEM President