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.
Please refer to the Victorian Department of Health website for the latest information on the use of PPE.
Fact sheets
Videos
Other guidelines and resources
Victorian Department of Health Healthcare Worker Infection Prevention and Wellbeing Taskforce.
RACGP – Part 3 – How to fit a P2/N95 mask.
Video from Singapore Health about donning and doffing 3M N95 respirators (the most common mask in use in Victoria).
A more extensive demonstration of Tier 3 PPE (N95s are shown from 00:03:52)
When does PPE need to be changed?
PPE needs to be changed:
When is PPE considered to be contaminated?
In these situations, full PPE (mask, gown, gloves and goggles) should be changed.
Does PPE need to be changed if the clinician takes a specimen, but there is no other contact?
How long can PPE be worn for?
Source: 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.
The following types of DHHS funded organisations can request PPE by emailing Covid19PPErequest@dhhs.vic.gov.au
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
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.
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:
This is an independent service not operated by or associated with North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.
We acknowledge the people of the Kulin nations as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our work in the community takes place. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
We also recognise, respect and affirm the central role played in our work by people with lived experience, their families and/or carers.
While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
We acknowledge the people of the Kulin nations as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our work in the community takes place. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
We also recognise, respect and affirm the central role played in our work by people with lived experience, their families and/or carers.
While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
