However, RACS provided constructive critique as it relates to the collection of peri-operative data in real time, to ensure the continuity of time-critical surgery. Allowing access to the modelling underpinning such public-health decisions and lending voice to the surgical community will assist with the many improvements needed in this space.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw opaque restrictions leading to cancelled surgery, workforce attrition, and greater mortality due to delay of treatments. To prevent the reoccurrence, RACS advises:
• a legally mandated Surgical Continuity Dashboard to delineate theatre activity, ICU capacity, and workforce signals
• a narrow definition of ‘protected information’ to avoid misinterpretation of confidentiality clauses
• a Surgery Annex to the CDC's protocols to ensure procurement of PPE, oxygen, and ICU surge capacity plan for surgical services and needs.
RACS also advocates for the safe de-identified reporting of risks on the front line. Together these reforms would ensure that future public-health measures will support, not impede, access to critical surgical services, and demonstrate RACS' steadfast commitment to advocate for the interests of surgeons and patients throughout Australia. Read more (PDF 344.54KB).
The COVID-19 pandemic saw opaque restrictions leading to cancelled surgery, workforce attrition, and greater mortality due to delay of treatments. To prevent the reoccurrence, RACS advises:
• a legally mandated Surgical Continuity Dashboard to delineate theatre activity, ICU capacity, and workforce signals
• a narrow definition of ‘protected information’ to avoid misinterpretation of confidentiality clauses
• a Surgery Annex to the CDC's protocols to ensure procurement of PPE, oxygen, and ICU surge capacity plan for surgical services and needs.
RACS also advocates for the safe de-identified reporting of risks on the front line. Together these reforms would ensure that future public-health measures will support, not impede, access to critical surgical services, and demonstrate RACS' steadfast commitment to advocate for the interests of surgeons and patients throughout Australia. Read more (PDF 344.54KB).