Queensland Health has secured an additional 3,000 medical face shields thanks to the efforts of the Department of State Development in rounding up manufacturers keen to help in the battle against COVID-19.
Minister for Manufacturing, Cameron Dick said the Department had worked closely with local suppliers and manufacturers to ensure Queensland could bolster supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
“We will keep on working to find manufacturing solutions to address shortages now and into the future,” Mr Dick said.
He said the aim was for the manufacturing sector to scale-up, grow and deliver to the community and industry in times of need now and into the future.
“If you’re a manufacturer or producer who can offer further assistance to secure or enhance the supply chain, I encourage you to contact the Department of State Development,” Mr Dick said.
“We stand ready to help.”
Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services, Steven Miles said the State’s top priority was keeping its front-line doctors, nurses and clinicians healthy and safe as they tackled COVID-19.
“Currently our PPE supplies across Queensland’s public health system are enough, but that won’t last forever, which is why increasing local manufacturing is so important,” Mr Miles said.
“Face shields are worn by health staff to protect their faces from a patient who may have the virus, so ensuring an adequate supply is the best way we can safeguard our health heroes,” he said.