<p><strong>The PHN is working with local, state and federal health authorities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.</strong></p>
<p>In line with recent guidance to limit the spread of the virus in the community, we have moved to a virtual office platform.</p>
<p>Our Lutwyche and North Lakes offices closed from Thursday 26 March 2020 until further notice, with all staff transitioning to working from home. Business will continue with our main switch number: <strong>07 3630 7300</strong> and email address <a><strong>info@brisbanenorthphn.org.au</strong></a> still in operation.</p>
<p>Staff can be contacted via their usual phone number and email address.</p>
<p>The PHN has an established virtual capability, and we will be working to ensure business continuity for planned meetings and activities to support practices, commissioned service providers and our key stakeholders.</p>
<p>Since 13 January, 2020 Brisbane North PHN has sent over 30 e-news updates to over 1,000 GPs and practices. We have sent 41,100 surgical masks and 1,124 P2 masks out to practices in the region.</p>
<p><strong>During the COVID-19 pandemic, the PHN has four main roles:</strong></p>
<p>Firstly, the PHN is communicating the latest information from health authorities to GPs, allied health professionals, aged and community care providers and our local community.</p>
<p>We are doing this through our regular communication channels of support to general practices and email updates to other clinicians, service providers and members of the public. The most up to date information is available on our website.</p>
<p>The PHN has developed a COVID-19 clinical pathway for GPs, which is available on our health pathways site.</p>
<p>The pathway provides clear and concise guidance for assessing and managing a patient who may have COVID-19.</p>
<p>The PHN is also supporting health professionals by distributing surgical masks on behalf of the Federal Department of Health to general practices and community pharmacies.</p>
<p>Currently we are not permitted to supply masks to anyone else. If the situation changes, any updates will be made via e-newsletter and on our website.</p>
<p>We are helping federal, state and local health authorities to plan and implement the response to COVID-19.</p>
<p>This includes identifying general practices that have the capacity and capability to operate a GP respiratory clinic.</p>
<p>It also means collecting information on which parts of the primary and community health sectors are facing issues in responding to COVID-19 and providing support to them. Finally, we are working with our contracted service providers and others to ensure, as much as possible, that people with existing health concerns are able to access services and supports.</p>
<p>We encourage you to visit our website for the latest updates from the State Health Emergency Coordination Centre, which is our main source of up to date evidence-based information on COVID-19, both at a national and state level.</p>
<p>Brisbane North PHN is working hard to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring access to primary healthcare continues in the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region.</p>
<p>We appreciate your patience and support during this time and look forward to working together in this new way of doing business.</p>
<p><strong>Visit <a href="http://www.brisbanenorthphn.org.au/">www.brisbanenorthphn.org.au</a> for the latest COVID-19 information.</strong></p>