COVID-19: Information and resources
PLEASE NOTE: This is a rapidly changing situation and the information and resources below are updated regularly.
COVID-19 Health workforce response - expressions of interest - click here
Additional resources relating to COVID-19 are available on the AMA's federal website - click here
Resources for doctors
- AHPRA - Sub-register to fast track the return of experienced health practitioners
- AMA Council of Doctors in Training - keeping up to date with College responses to the pandemic
- AMA Victoria - COVID-19 poster for practice entrances
- AMA Victoria - General and private practice fact sheet - for questions regarding staff safety
- AMA Victoria - Advice on how to support employees in the GP setting
- AMA Victoria - Testing for COVID-19 - advice for doctors
- The Australian Department of Health - daily medical advice and official reports
- The Australian Department of Health - COVID-19 fact sheet – Primary Care Package – Practice Incentive Payments
- The Australian Department of Health - COVID-19 Information on Medicines and Medical Devices
- The Australian Department of Health - COVID-19 Telehealth items guide
- Avant Mutual - resource for doctors and practices
- DHHS - Avoid mailing an original prescription to a pharmacy for S4 drugs / S8 drugs
- DHHS - Case and contact management guidelines
- DHHS - Circular - Healthcare Worker Infection Prevention and Wellbeing Taskforce
- DHHS - Continuing Medical Education - COVID-19 Supplementary Guidance Note - 6 May 2020
- DHHS - Coronavirus Emergency Accommodation program - FAQs for frontline workers
- DHHS - Coronavirus Emergency Accommodation program - information for frontline workers
- DHHS - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease Guidance on Junior Doctor Rotations
- DHHS - COVID-19 Guidance Care of the unwell woman during pregnancy
- DHHS - Daily Attestations: frequently asked questions - 23 September 2020
- DHHS - Directions update: Residential Aged Care - 19 October 2020
- DHHS - Elective surgery roadmap – summary and FAQs - 18 September 2020
- DHHS - Fact sheet for higher-risk healthcare workers
- DHHS - General practice quick reference guide
- DHHS - Guidance for health services and GPs on dealing with suspected cases of COVID-19
- DHHS - Healthcare Worker Infection Prevention and Wellbeing Taskforce update - 23 October 2020
- DHHS - Infection Control Guideline
- DHHS - Infection prevention control resources
- DHHS - Medical practitioners seeking advice about COVID-19 (outside of testing procedures) can call 1300 651 160
- DHHS - Medical Specialist College exams
- DHHS - Respiratory support for children during the COVID-19 emergency
- The Department of Veterans’ Affairs - DVA arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Medical Board of Australia - Response to COVID-19 pandemic 31 March 2020
- Melbourne Business School - Professor Jill Klein speaks about resilience for clinicians in this video series
- RACGP - information for GPs on the latest COVID-19 developments
- The University of Melbourne - Communicating COVID-19 free online resource to help us address questions from patients
- WorkSafe - Item codes for telehealth are available
Information related to personal protective equipment (PPE)
- AMA Federal - COVID-19 Fact File – Transmission and Personal Protective Equipment
- The Australian Department of Health - AHPPC endorsed guidance on the use of PPE
- The Australian Department of Health - use of PPE in areas with significant community transmission
- DHHS - Guide to the conventional use of personal protective equipment (PPE) - 21 October 2020
- DHHS - PPE and levels of protection
- DHHS - Preventing facial injury from prolonged PPE use
Employment-related information
- ATO - private specialists can send this form to employees who are applying for JobKeeper
- AMA Victoria - Employment-Related FAQs
- DHHS - Employment-Related Matters - COVID-19 Guidance Note - 22 December 2020
- DHHS - Guidance on student clinical placements - 7 October 2020
- DHHS - Maintenance of Employment - Frequently Asked Questions - 28 April 2020
- DHHS - How to prepare your COVID Safe plan + COVID Safe plan template - 5 August 2020
- DHHS - The movement of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Victorian State Government - Permitted Work Premises during Stage 4 Restrictions - 5 August 2020
- JobKeeper - payments for employers and employees
- Safe Work Australia - vulnerable workers
Free support services available
The COVID-19 pandemic is creating stress and anxiety for the community and for the healthcare workers on the frontline. AMA Victoria would like to remind all doctors to pay attention to your own wellbeing.
- AMA Victoria - Peer Support Service - doctors supporting doctors - call 1300 853 338
- Beyond Blue - this page includes a section specifically for healthcare workers
- Dr4Drs - mental health support, confidential, free, available to doctors and med students 24/7 - 1300 374 377
- Hand-n-Hand - a peer support network for healthcare workers at the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Mindfulness in Medicine - using mindfulness as a tool for living through difficult times - free weekly sessions
- Pandemic Kindness Movement - evidence-informed resources for health workforce
- Victorian Doctors Health Program - available 24/7 to all medical students and doctors - call (03) 9280 8738
- The Victorian Medical Benevolent Association - assists doctors in financial difficulty - enquiries to dianac@vmba.org.au - more information at www.vmba.org.au
Resources for the public
If you are a member of the general public and require information on COVID-19, you can try one of the following resources:
- AMA Federal - Daily Fact Sheet - includes the latest case numbers and government updates
- AMA Federal - General information on COVID-19 - what it is, how it is transmitted and more
- AMA Federal - Personal hygiene and safety tips
- AMA Federal - What to do if you are unwell
- Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
- Data and infographics - COVID-19 in Australia
- DHHS Hotline - 1800 675 398
- DHHS - Looking after your mental health
- Healthdirect - Sympton checker
- Victorian Chief Health Officer - subscribe to alerts here
- World Health Organization - When and how to use masks (fabric and medical)
We need your feedback
Thank you to all AMA Victoria members for your tireless efforts and courage in preparing for and managing the COVID-19 pandemic for Victoria.
Thank you also for contacting AMA Victoria with your feedback which informs our advocacy to state and federal governments. The stunning series of changes we’ve seen to the Australian Medicare system in recent weeks is an example of what can be achieved when we work together. These changes have created a more responsive and flexible system that can meet the needs of patients and providers during the COVID-19 crisis. All AMA members must be congratulated for their advocacy efforts to achieve these swift and necessary reforms to the system.
Please continue to provide us with feedback on the issues you are facing. We know there can sometimes be delays in getting back to you - due to the sheer numbers of members making contact but don’t be discouraged. Your feedback is important. Every email is read, each phone call is important. Strong themes come through from members and inform our advocacy to state and federal governments accordingly. Please be assured that our teams are working around the clock, 7 days a week to advocate on your behalf. Initial contact should be made via email: covid19@amavic.com.au
