The Australian Government Department of Health recently tasked Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) to distribute PPE from the National Medical Stockpile (NMS) to vaccinating pharmacies as part of the Government’s $180 million Living with COVID-19 Primary Care Package.

After receiving the supply from the Australian Government last week, NQPHN has now couriered PPE to 75 local pharmacies which had previously submitted an order, including P2/N95 masks.

“After being informed of the imminent arrival of the PPE for pharmacies, we quickly assembled a team which assisted in taking delivery, opening, sorting, repacking and organising couriers for these items for pharmacy vaccinators across North Queensland,” said NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Ms Robin Whyte.

“It was a significant logistical task, and our team did an amazing job to ensure all PPE orders were dispatched within just a few days.

“Pharmacy plays a vital role in boosting community vaccination rates: - helping to save lives and protect the health of our communities. PPE is a crucial support for vaccinating pharmacists.”

“I would like to thank everyone in the primary care sector for continuing to work together with NQPHN and the broader health care sector to protect our community here in North Queensland."