South Australia Premier Steven Marshall, today has announced the trial of an innovative new initiative of implementing PPE and hospital equipment vending machines at Flinders Medical Centre.
This follows the announcement earlier today that South Australian packaging company Detmold Group are to manufacture millions of surgical masks, creating 160 jobs in the process. Find out more here.
Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer SA Health, Jenny Hurley spoke on the vending machine initiative and SA Health’s team up with Benleigh Vending Systems to circulate the vending machines.
The Premier assured that there is no suggestion that we do not have PPE, rather that the effort is set towards getting these to the frontline.
During the trial, doctors and nurses are not asked to pay, this allows SA Health to monitor in real time what the usage is.
SA Health have also received numerous nurses, midwives and individuals contacting to offer availability to work in the future, with over 1000 who have lodged application to help in key areas right now.
The Premier also followed with stating that despite SA having enough PPE, there is a global shortage as it is a finite resource.
The vending machine collaboration will provide great peace of mind, as doctors and nurses are able to visually see the stock pile and go about work knowing they are supported.
The vending machines will have real time monitoring, and real time refreshment. The trial will begin at Flinders Medical Centre and hopes to roll out on to the rest of the State very soon.
The Premier reiterated that SA Pathology and Australia has the most comprehensive testing regime in the country which puts us in a great position to minimise community transmission, alongside the uptake of restrictions put in place, to reduce the peak and push it into the future.
More to come.
LATEST NEWS
- SA COVID-19 cases surge by 50% in just a week, prompting health officials to issue warningThe state has witnessed a startling 50% increase in COVID-19 cases in just one week, coinciding with the onset of end-of-year celebrations.
- Fifth dose rollout starts as SAHMRI shows unvaccinated face higher risks from COVIDNew SAHMRI analysis of SA COVID data released today shows people who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 face much higher risks as fifth booster rolls out.
- Fifth Covid-19 vaccine to be rolled out across Australia later this monthThe Federal Government has confirmed that a fifth dose of the Covid-19 vaccination will be rolled out across the country later this month.
- Australia announces COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers from ChinaFrom 12:01am on Thursday 5 January 2023, travellers will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test within the 48hrs prior to travel and show evidence of a negative test result when travelling to Australia.
- Free masks to support South Aussies this ChristmasUp to 10,000 masks a day packaged in Christmas-themed wrappers are expected to be handed out over coming weeks.