PCNA 2020 Conference Update: COVID-19 Outbreak

Tuesday, 17 March 2020

As the current situation regarding the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continues to rapidly evolve, we would like to provide you with an update on how Palliative Care Nurses Australia (PCNA) is currently managing the situation. 

We have postponed the PCNA Conference scheduled to be held in Melbourne in mid-May until towards the end of 2020. Further details will follow once we have set the new date. Given this reality, we will be looking to offer some of the webinars scheduled for later in the year to an earlier date, so keep an eye out for these details in our monthly newsletter and on our website.

The Federal Department of Health (Department) regularly updates its COVID-19 information packages for both health providers and the general public, including guidance on the global supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), including surgical masks and P2/N95 respirators.

Whilst the Commonwealth and each jurisdictional health department is posting regular COVID-19 updates, many of our members will also be thinking about how to prepare and support their local services as they confront the reality of caring for people dying of COVID-19. There have been a number of recent articles addressing this topic which is be available from the member webpage - https://csupalliativecare.org/palliative-care-and-covid-19/ .

We know that this is a stressful time, both personally and professionally, and that information is constantly changing. We encourage all members to look out for each other in the workplace, and to share your experiences and concerns. PCNA is keen to keep to respond to members’ concerns, and will continue to liaise with members and provide support as we learn more.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Jane Phillips
President, Palliative Care Nurses Australia Inc.