Like many health care providers, St Vincent’s Health Australia (SVHA) is facing challenges due to COVID19. Across St Vincent's, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are working around the clock to keep us safe.
“One of the first impacts of COVID-19 was felt in supply chain,” says Group General Manager of Finance, Belinda Johnson. “St Vincent’s had to move quickly as part of #Covid19response measures, particularly with global shortages on key items such as hand sanitiser and personal protective equipment. St Vincent’s also has invested in important #COVID19 response measures such as live thermal scanning systems. There have been some incredible moments and innovative thinking, including St Vincent’s set up of the Bondi 'pop-up' Covid-19 testing clinic. I am really proud to work for an organisation that has thousands of inspiring frontline staff who continue to serve the most vulnerable in our community during these uncertain times.”
For their back-office staff, life changed dramatically – like many Australian organisations, IT staff worked around the clock to purchase laptops and ensure stable remote connectivity, all within a very short period. “These have been incredibly unprecedented times and we wanted to continue to focus on providing the best possible care for those who rely on us. When we needed to invest in #COVID19 response measures, we reached out to our business partners like ADP for help. We were so thankful when ADP was able to support us.”
Although Australia prepares to slowly return to a more normal way of life, most organisations have been profoundly changed. So how has COVID-19 impacted the future for St Vincent’s? “Well, in the immediate future, we are prepared for mini-surges and will be increasing elective surgeries within the government guidelines as they adjust and continue to care for our patients and residents” says Belinda. “Technology will become increasingly important, including tele-health particularly for reaching vulnerable and isolated communities within Australia.”
Thank you, Belinda and St. Vincent’s Health Australia!
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https://www.supportstvincents.com.au/ways-to-give/donate/
About St. Vincent’s:
St Vincent’s Health Australia has been providing health care in Australia for 160 years, since our first hospital was established in Sydney in 1857 by the Sisters of Charity. Today, St Vincent’s Health Australia is the nation’s largest not-for-profit health and aged care provider.
