Further information on various COVID-19 matters, now that we are moving to level four.

·         As members will be aware, we have emailed many notices on COVID-19 to members, starting in January – the early days of COVID-19.   There are more in the pipeline and these will continue. 

·         We take a cautious approach with the information we provide in notices and deliver to individual members, especially since COVID-19 infection is still new. It is self-evident that any advice we give on matters such as risk mitigation or COVID-19 protocols is evidence-based, in line with both best practice and the latest guidelines from reputable authorities.   Furthermore, it is important that guidance we give on other matters is equally both accurate and complete.  Moreover, we do not want to flood members’ email inboxes with unwelcome notices.  

·         Some information is being posted by us on social media, as well as on our main website.  The website continues to have updates on COVID-19 and developments.

·         In recent weeks, we have fielded a considerable number of approaches from members wanting advice, technical information, support, and/or assistance, spanning a wide range of professional, workplace and related COVID-19 issues. Such approaches continue and are generally dealt with in a timely manner but, as previously indicated, some response times have been slower than normal.

·         Be assured that dealing with COVID-19 matters is currently our top priority.  We triage as necessary to help ensure that.

·         We have been working on COVID-19 matters now for three months.  To date, we have reviewed an extensive amount of research (in peer-reviewed journals), advisories from health bodies worldwide, pandemic plans, medical specialty college guidelines, hospital and service plans, and so forth.  We have been in regular contact with many overseas contacts to draw on their experience and exchange information.  This includes locations already dealing with huge numbers of COVID-19 infections.  

·          We are also able to draw on our significant experience with SARS.  

·         Additionally, where necessary, we have made representations on COVID-19 matters to some DHB leaders, many hospital and other health service managers, and/or employers, Government Ministers, various other professional bodies, some NGOs, Government departments, other agencies, regulators and trade associations.  We have not published any of these approaches for a variety of reasons, as that would not be helpful to the overall effort to control the spread of COVID-19.

·         Assistance to members will continue on COVID-19 matters.  Be assured that we will continue to respond to approaches as quickly as possible.  Additionally, we will get further notices/advisories out as soon as is reasonably possible.   

·         Our office is open and, as we have previously advised, if necessary, some or all of our small team can work from home without interruption to our services.

·         As this is a fast-moving situation, some advice and information may change from time to time.   

·         Best wishes to members who are doing such important work at this unprecedented and truly challenging time for everyone.

David Wills, Director

NURSES SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND Te Kāhui Tapuhi o Aotearoa & Te Uniana o NSNZ