Released 22/09/2021
The ACT’s COVID-19 response workforce will soon be enhanced with qualified student health practitioners now permitted to give COVID-19 vaccinations.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government has been working to rapidly expand the ACT’s vaccination and testing workforce ahead of expected increases in vaccine supply.
“We have been working closely with the ACT health care sector, unions, professional peak bodies and universities to bring student health practitioners on board to assist in the ACT’s COVID-19 pandemic response,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“I would like to thank our stakeholders for helping us make it possible to get more Canberrans vaccinated as supply increases in the coming weeks and months.
“With their cooperation, we have made changes that allow the Chief Health Officer to make decisions during this public health emergency to allow specific types of student health practitioners to assistour pandemic response workforce.
“Our COVID-19 response workforce is doing an amazing job responding to the current outbreak and this will allow us to be able to provide further support for the important work they are doing to help keep our community safe.
“The Chief Health Officer is using a staged approach, starting with the addition of enrolled nurses, student nurses and student midwives from today, and considering medical and other student health practitioners to come on board as soon as possible.”
The ACT Government amended the Medicines Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation (2008) to allow the Chief Health Officer to specify groups of people who will temporarily be able to administer COVID-19 vaccines. This is an emergency measure that will end after 12 months without a declared COVID-19 public health emergency.
The suitability of individuals to be included in the program will be assessed based on their level of study and demonstrated competency. They will be inducted, trained and supervised to ensure the ACT community is receiving safe and quality care.
Quotes attributable to ANMF ACT Branch Secretary, Matthew Daniel:
“With the right skills, knowledge and passion, student nurses and midwives are well placed to help in the fight against the COVID pandemic. The ANMF ACT Branch is pleased to have reached agreement with the ACT Government on establishing the student role within the nursing and midwifery workforce.
“An agreement struck between the ANMF ACT Branch and the ACT Government on the introduction of student nurses and midwives will ensure that their contribution is properly recognised through pay and conditions and that the new role reflects the skills and abilities they can bring to the fight against COVID.”
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases