Kia ora koutou
Here are a couple of messages for the week:
Discontinuation of funded PPE products and other consumables
From 1 October 2023, publicly funded PPE and other consumables from the Central Supply will discontinue on a product-by-product basis as surplus stock is run down to reach Te Whatu Ora’s minimum reserve holding level for national pandemic preparedness.
As at end of May 2023, the forecasted months for when core PPE products are expected to discontinue are shown below:
Product type and Estimated last month of supply
Alcohol-based disinfectant wipes September 2023
Alcohol-free disinfectant wipes June 2024+
Alcohol-based hand sanitiser – 500ml February 2024
Alcohol-based hand sanitiser – 2L April 2024
Biohazard bags June 2024
Cap – disposable August 2023
Cap – surgical June 2024+
Goggles January 2024
Isolation gowns September 2023
Isolation gowns – size XXXL January 2024
Masks – P2/N95 particulate respirator June 2024+
Masks – medical (Type II R or equivalent) (ear loop) November 2023
Masks – level 3 (tie back) June 2024+
Nitrile gloves (sizes S, M, L) September 2023
Nitrile gloves (size XL) June 2024
Overshoes August 2023
Plastic disposable aprons February 2024
Safety glasses June 2024+
Transparent full-face shields January 2024
Infection prevention and control guidance for PPE use
It is important that the most appropriate PPE is available and worn correctly and safely for the work, task or procedure you are undertaking.
Please continue to use Standard and Transmission-based Precautions and read the mask use and respiratory risk assessment guidance for healthcare workers and settings.
Those responsible for the procurement of PPE should have a sound understanding on what their needs are including short-, medium- and long-term requirements. Ensure that any PPE purchased meet all relevant manufacturing standards for certification for use within Aotearoa.
Provider queries
Please direct any further questions from providers to COVID.HealthSupplyChain@health.govt.nz including ordering of PPE stock in preparation. You can also contact Aaron Piano via email aaron@aucklandpho.co.nz for any further queries or clarifications.
Improving Access to Gender Affirming Primary Care
Auckland PHO has been awarded a tender by Te Whatu Ora to Improve Access to Gender Affirming Primary Care.
Funding is available to pay GPs and NPs for extended consults relating to initiation and maintenance of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) - following publication of the new Primary Care Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy Initiation Guidelines: Primary-Care-GAHT-Guidelines_Web_29-Mar.pdf (otago.ac.nz)
If you are currently prescribing Gender Affirming Hormone Therapies to your patients, we would appreciate your feedback around the length and frequency of appointments.
We are also surveying expressions of interest in further training, in the area of initiating GAHT, as this care becomes BAU within primary care. Please contact: emma@aucklandpho.co.nz
Have a great week ahead.
Ngā mihi nui,
Julia