The AMA welcomes today’s Government-funded deployment of Australian health workers to help tackle the Ebola outbreak at its source in West Africa.
AMA President, A/Prof Brian Owler, said the AMA had called for Government-coordinated action for months, and was pleased with the decision to contract Aspen Medical to be part of international efforts to build a field hospital and treat patients in Sierra Leone.
“Australian doctors, nurses, and other health workers are keen to be part of the humanitarian effort to save lives in West Africa, and they can now do this with greater safety and security as part of the Aspen operation, which is funded by the Australian Government,” A/Prof Owler said.
“I have had several meetings with Aspen officials and have visited their headquarters in Canberra to get assurances about standards of training, equipment, and care and evacuation arrangements should health workers become infected with the virus.
“The AMA is satisfied with the organisation of the deployment and the opportunity that has been provided for the hundreds of Australian health workers who want to volunteer to provide care and save lives.
“We pay tribute to these brave and committed health workers who want to use their special skills and experience to help people in tragic circumstances in West Africa.
“The AMA encourages all Australian governments to work collaboratively to ensure a strong coordinated response to any Ebola threat, both here and overseas,” A/Prof Owler said.
28 November 2011
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