We stayed home, now we have to protect the NHS with structural reforms
Dr Robert Sutton is a junior doctor in Wales.
Protecting the NHS was at the heart of the government s pandemic response, now we need to protect it with reform, writes Robert Sutton. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
If a single line has permeated every facet of the government’s communications during the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been the cultish imperative to “protect the NHS.” This instruction has been, implicitly or explicitly, the justification for every restriction implemented.
By reducing transmission, we would prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed by patients with coronavirus and ensure there was still capacity to treat other seriously ill patients. If the NHS had been rendered impotent by the sheer weight of patients on ventilators, the deaths from other diseases would have been vast. Everything was done in the name of sustaining this institution of the state. It is, of course,
NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay insisted she was still the only MP with majority support. However, within an hour of Ms McKay’s press conference, Treasury spokesman Walt Secord quit her frontbench.
Deputy Opposition Leader Richard Marles has played down the Coalition's major win in the Upper Hunter by-election, saying the result will not have implications federally.
New South Wales Labor has not conceded defeat in the Upper Hunter yet but the National Party looks set to retain the seat.
Mr Marles told Sky News linking the result to Federal Labor would be an over-reaction.
The Deputy Labor Leader also denied internal splits over the new Kuri Kuri gas plant played a role in his party's defeat and said divisions over coal and gas are not a concern for Labor going forward.
Australia Expands Vaccine Rollout, With Pfizer Vaccine Reserved for Under 50s
The Federal Government has limited the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine to Australians under 50 while preparing to expand the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine rollout to those over 50 from May.
“With a few exceptions, Pfizer is now restricted to those under 50,” Dr. Brendan Murphy, the Secretary of the Department of Health, told a press conference after National Cabinet on Thursday.
“But people always have a choice, and more Pfizer will be available later in the year. At this stage, we will not be making Pfizer available to those 50 and over.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed that the Pfizer vaccine would be prioritized for people under 50 and 1A and 1B groups.
Australians Over 50 Given Increased Supplies of AstraZeneca Vaccine
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and state and territory leaders have agreed on Monday to bring forward the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout for Australians over 50 and use mass vaccination centres for the rest of the population before Christmas.
Due to the AstraZeneca vaccine’s rare but serious link to blood clots, Pfizer is now the recommended coronavirus vaccine to people under 50. The federal and state governments have agreed to use increased supplies of AstraZeneca vaccine for Australians over that age, with the revised vaccination plan to be outlined in detail on Thursday.
“There are strong, strong arguments for the bringing forward of over 50s with the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is a safe and effective vaccine for those aged over 50, and particularly important for those aged over 70 who are already in that priority group,” Morrison said ahead of the National Cabinet on Monday.