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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 290 asked in the Legislative Council on 31 March 2020 by Hon Martin Aldridge

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

CORONAVIRUS — PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

290. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:

I refer to the supply and use of personal protective equipment utilised in public hospitals in Western Australia and increasing demand on stocks arising from COVID-19.

(1) Please identify the critical PPE that is used by WA Health and the current stock levels of each.

(2) Based on current demand and current stock levels, what is the expected time until stocks are depleted without the receipt of further supplies?

(3) Have any restrictions been placed on the use of PPE in light of demand on stock levels, and what are those restrictions?

(4) How is the state government assisting private health service providers and private physicians to access critical supplies, including PPE?

Hon ALANNA CLOHESY replied:

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.

(1) Critical PPE for the COVID-19 response includes face masks, both surgical and N95; hand sanitiser; gowns; gloves; safety glasses; and face shields.

(2) Current stock on hand at the WA Health state distribution centre represents approximately three to five weeks' supply based on current usage. This does not account for the stock on hand at each hospital site. WA Health received its first commonwealth stock deliveries last week and is working to secure and agree ongoing volumes and deliveries from the commonwealth. WA Health has confidence in its core suppliers providing historical demand for the health system and is securing new suppliers to meet the increased demand.

(3) Guidelines on the appropriate use of PPE in WA Health facilities have been created and are regularly reviewed and updated. These are available on the WA Health external webpage.

(4) WA Health is in regular contact with private hospitals on a range of issues, including PPE supply and usage, and is preparing to support a range of key service providers outside the WA Health system, should it be required.