Dear colleagues,

I cannot stress enough how important it is for you and your loved ones to remain home this Easter weekend. Turn it into a staycation! Staying home truly does help to slow the spread, and we continue to see evidence of this each and every day in Queensland.  The curve is definitely flattening and you as healthcare professionals are so instrumental in making that happen.

I have a few updates for you today:

• Where to find up to date testing criteria information
• Information on Women’s and Newborn Services
• A call for experts!

Where to find up to date testing criteria information

You are all doing an amazing job keeping up with the ongoing changes to the testing criteria for COVID-19. Thank you for making every effort to stay updated and equipped with the correct information.

When the criteria is expanded, we update all necessary documents that are on our COVID-19 extranet page. You can find these resources on the “Clinician Resources” page under the “Testing and pathology” section. Please always refer here for the latest information.

Please note, Metro North facilities are required to apply the COVID-19 alert in HBCIS to all admitted patients known to be COIVD-19 positive. Please use the COVID-19 related account class codes.

Information on Women’s and Newborn Services

There is now an information factsheet for GPs compiled and endorsed by Metro North Women’s and Newborn Services. This guide is to inform plans for the care and management of women requiring antenatal care.  The aim is to ensure that we can safeguard women requiring care as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.  Please familiarise yourself with this information here if it applies to the healthcare you provide.

A call for experts!

The Metro North Office of Research has advised that the Australian Academy of Science are seeking registrations from individuals with expertise who can or wish to contribute to the national and global effort to tackle and recover from COVID-19.  With a focus on the scientific, health, social, cultural and economic implications. If you would like to register, please visit the website.

If you’re anything like me, then you love the outdoors! Queensland at this time of year is beautiful and even though it’s challenging to stay at home this Easter weekend, it’s incredibly important that you do. My other grandfurr baby Zoey is making the most of her staycation!  She has decided that if she can’t go to the beach then there are still opportunities for a swim and to enjoy the company of those that love her.  Keep your mind and body healthy with your family, loved ones, housemates (and pets) this weekend.

Whether you are working or resting today, what you are doing is important and so very appreciated! Thank you for continuing to put our Values in Action at the forefront of everything that you do and continue to display commitment, courage and consideration during this time. If you want to stay updated over the long weekend, you can do so by visiting the MNHHS COVID-19 extranet site.

Regards,

Dr Liz Rushbrook & Adjunct Professor Alanna Geary

Metro North Health Incident Controllers

Metro North HHS – Overview of Cases*

*With effect 1000 11 April 2020
**Metro North has two recorded deaths