Today a group of health professionals wrote an open letter to @KenWyattMP calling for urgent measures to help prevent the catastrophic impact of #COVID19 on #Aboriginal and #TorresStraitIslander communities. We have advocated for a number of measures. 1/x
1. Clear protocols to cease non-essential FIFO contact with isolated local workers and community + adequate hygiene measures at every point.
2. The urgent release of many #Aboriginal and #TorresStraitIslander minor offenders from custody.
#COVID19 2/x
2. The urgent release of many #Aboriginal and #TorresStraitIslander minor offenders from custody.
#COVID19 2/x
3. Government provision of guaranteed supplies of staples to #Aboriginal and #TorresStraitIslander communities.
4. Provision of clear, accurate, up-to-date information, preferably in language regarding #COVID19. 3/x
4. Provision of clear, accurate, up-to-date information, preferably in language regarding #COVID19. 3/x
5. Provision for health worker support and training, #COVID19 testing and isolation/quarantine facilities in #Aboriginal and #TorresStraitIslander communities and remote regions. 4/x
We are deeply concerned about access to vital services such as dialysis, mental health services, telehealth and supply lines of medication to #Aboriginal and #TorresStraitIslander communities in the time of #COVID19 5/x
As healthcare workers our concern is for all people facing this global #COVID19 pandemic. But #Aboriginal and #TorresStraitIslander people are particularly at risk here in Australia. There are significant urgent actions that need to be taken now, to prevent unnecessary deaths 6/x
Honourable @KenWyattMP we are sure you share this concern and look forward to hearing what you can do in the this rapidly deteriorating and highly threatening situation. cc @GregHuntMP @bowenchris @RichardDiNatale #COVID19 #Aboriginal #TorresStraitIslander 7/7
Thank you @croakey for highlighting our letter and the call for an increased scope of practice for #Aboriginal health workers #COVID19
