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.