With our own homes often sick, it is no surprise that emergency departments are also being hit hard with flu, COVID-19 and other virus presentations.
One of the things I am observing, and I am hearing from colleagues across our two nations, is that patients are reporting feeling sicker, and are appearing to be more frightened of the symptoms of viruses, than in the past. I am sure we will see many studies in the future that research post-COVID-19 trends. There is also a shared understanding that many immunities are lower after lockdowns. However, I do sense that some people are not feeling empowered to treat viruses at home. This issue requires compassion, understanding and some public education.
The constant winter bugs are also exacerbating our workforce issues as we stay home sick, or to care for sick loved ones. However, we know that it is not the cause of our workforce issues, and we continue to advocate for investments and policies to better support workforce sustainability.
I, along with many of you, attended the hybrid International Conference for Emergency Medicine (ICEM) in Melbourne this month. With delegates attending from over 65 countries, I know we all learnt a lot and found solace, comfort and inspiration – as well as some good fun! – in finally being able to be together in person. On behalf of the College, I offer our warm appreciation to the Local Organising Committee and Convenor Simon Judkins, as well as all the College staff who worked so tirelessly to make the event a success. We also offer more gratitude to the Low-and middle-income country (LMIC) Delegate Subsidisation Scheme (LDSS) sponsors who enabled ICEM to be a truly global event. Finally, we thank everyone who came to Melbourne, or logged in.
Now, we start to turn our heads towards our next major event: the Spring Symposium. The hybrid symposium will be held this year in Christchurch in Aotearoa New Zealand with the theme of Mahi Tahi – working together. It will be held at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, and online, and will run from the 26th of November to the 30th November 2022. I hope to see you there.
June brought with it a substantial loss. Last month, we said goodbye to highly esteemed College founder and former College President, Associate Professor Joseph Epstein. Joe wasn’t just a founder to me, and to so many of us – he was also a friend and role model. We offer our deepest condolences to Joe’s wife, Jan, his family, friends, colleagues and other loved ones. We also express our deep gratitude for the work Joe did over his lifetime that has changed the profession, and countless lives, across Australia and the world.
Joe was passionate about diversity and inclusion in emergency medicine practice and leadership, and advocated for better Indigenous health representation, engagement, and outcomes.
To that end, I am so pleased to announce that, in Australia, the College has launched our third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2022-24. This RAP is another step on the College’s journey towards reconciliation. This step is the one we take as we emerge from the peak of the COVID-10 pandemic and response.
This step is the starting point for interactions, conversations, and plans and it invites those who have been left out of the room to enter it, and for others – who perhaps have talked the loudest – to learn to sit quietly in the room and listen. The College envisions that this collaboration will lead to action that leads us closer to Joe’s vision of genuine inclusion and equity.
I am also pleased to announce the establishment of the College’s first voluntary, and confidential, Membership and Trainee Diversity Survey, and invite you to take part, if you wish. The data captured will help the College to better understand the cultural landscape of Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand members and trainees, better promote inclusivity and to ensure all its members and trainees are properly represented.
Finally, this week is NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We encourage all Fellows, trainees and other members, as well as all ACEM staff, to take the opportunity to engage with activities and events held across Australia that allow all of us to learn about First Nations cultures and histories.
Until next month, thank you, for all that you do. Whatever the next month brings we will get through it as we always do – together.
Dr Clare Skinner
ACEM President