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COVID-19: PPE

Page last updated: 6pm, 18 December 2022

Distribution of PPE from the National Medical Stockpile through the Australian Government’s Living with COVID funding has now ceased.

As part of the National COVID-19 Health Management Plan for 2023, all Living with COVID measures scheduled to cease on 31 December 2022 have been reviewed. As part of this review, the Australian Government has confirmed that the distribution of PPE through the Living with COVID measure will now cease.

Some PPE distribution measures will continue, including support for residential aged care facilities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care will provide more information to primary health networks about these measures in 2023.


Proper use of PPE


PPE options for other health care providers

  • PPE distribution to residential aged care providers from the Commonwealth Department of Health

    If Commonwealth funded aged care providers are experiencing shortages and are unable to obtain masks from any other source, the National Medical Stockpile may be in a position to provide a small supply. This is to supplement existing supplies for aged care providers, including DVA aged care providers.

    All requests will be considered, and, if appropriate, approval will be given to dispatch stock from the states and territories. States and territories may distribute National Medical Stockpile supplies to Commonwealth funded aged care providers, on behalf of the Commonwealth.

    After a facility has explored alternative supply options, they may request supply from the National Medical Stockpile by emailing AgedCareCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au

    This request will be reviewed and triaged based on need and urgency, with priority given to aged care providers where there has been a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19. Facilities may be contacted for further information about their request to determine priority, and may also be requested to reimburse the Stockpile at cost depending on circumstances

    Visit the Department of Health website and read the tranche 4 guidance for more information.

    Update 5 August 2020

    Primary Health Networks are not distributing PPE to residential aged care providers. All requests should go direct to the Department using the method outlined above.

  • Mask distribution to health and community services funded or regulated by DHHS

    The following types of DHHS funded organisations can request PPE by emailing Covid19PPErequest@dhhs.vic.gov.au

    • Community health services
    • Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
    • Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations
    • Alcohol and other drug service providers
    • Mental health care providers
    • Palliative care providers

    DHHS has also provided another email address specifically for community services organisations that are funded or regulated by DHHS: CSPPE@dhhs.vic.gov.au

    Priority is given to facilities with confirmed or suspected cases so please continue to source PPE commercially where you can.

    More information

  • Mask distribution to NDIS providers

    If NDIS and disability support providers are experiencing shortages and are unable to obtain masks from any other source, the National Medical Stockpile may be able to provide a small supply to supplement existing supplies.

    After disability support providers have explored alternative supply options, they can submit a request for supply from the National Medical Stockpile by emailing NDISCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au

    All requests will be reviewed and triaged based on urgency, with priority given to disability support providers and self-managing participants where there is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19. Providers may be contacted for further information about their request to determine priority. Providers may also be requested to reimburse the NMS at cost depending on circumstances. For care workers to protect themselves and the vulnerable people with disabilities they are caring for it is important to undertake the training available at covid-19training.gov.au

    Read the Commonwealth Department of Health tranche four guidance document for more information.

  • Hand sanitiser

    Primary health care services can now request a bulk supply of hand sanitiser through the organising committee from the Facebook Practice Managers Network using this form which provides further information.

    Please note the following:

    • Supply is now no longer restricted to one unit of 5L or 20L hand sanitiser.
    • If you have already purchased hand sanitiser using the above form, your details are being uploaded to the supplier, WaterTest Systems, and you can use the following process for re-orders:
      1. Set your password
      2. Once you are logged in to the site, click here to order 5L or click here to order 20L
      3. Only authorised accounts will be able to access the above links. To get your colleagues authorised, direct them to use the form.

    This is an independent service not operated by or associated with North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.