Epidemic Response Committee notes: April 22, 2020

Today's Epidemic Response Committee has had a range of voices from the health sector emphasising the vulnerabilities these industries are facing. Kate Baddock from the New Zealand Medical Association highlights the implications of student doctors not having enough training due to the current strain on the health sector and the outbreak of COVID 19. Simon Wallace from the Aged Care Association discusses the strains that aged care are experiencing as a result of COVID 19 and amplifies the lack of preparation that they have experienced, voicing his concerns over lack of PPE, funding and regulation. Andrew Gaudin, the CEO of Pharmacy Guild of NZ is on the committee today to discuss the strain that pharmacists are facing due to the ongoing pressures the pharmaceutical industry is experiencing - they are in high demand during this time. Garth Bennie from the New Zealand Disability Support Network also joins the committee today to discuss the ways in which support services can be given to disabled people and their families. Dr Katie Ayes of the New Zealand Dental Association discusses the ways in which the dentistry association is facing pressure due to the fact that no proper guidelines have been provided as to how dentists should be operating under levels 1, 2 , 3 and 4.