Thank you

Thank you

As we reach the end of 2021, I want to say ‘thank you’ to my colleagues – for all you have done throughout the COVID crisis to keep patients alive, safe and vaccinated.

WELL, LIFE’S BEGINNING to look a bit like normal! NSW is well on its way to becoming one of the most highly vaccinated jurisdictions in the world. At the time of writing, we are at 91% fully vaccinated, and just shy of 95% first dose in the over 16s. This is an incredible achievement, and I want to thank you all for the part you have played. Whether it was manning busy COVID clinics, caring for COVID patients, or answering the unending questions from family and friends (because everyone who knows a doctor asked us, thank you)!

I know that it hasn’t been easy. The questions from family are tough, the anxiety from the vaccine hesitant can be stressful, and the abuse from some has been unacceptable. We know that demands for vaccination exemptions have been high in some areas. Many of these people have actually decided to have a vaccination after discussion with a doctor to allay their fears. But some haven’t, and some have pressured GPs and their reception staff. 

It has been a difficult time for general practice as we navigate patient anxiety, vaccine supply and the “usual care” for our patients in a health system that’s operating far from usual.

Many have gone above and beyond to ensure those most in need get access to a vaccine.

The Sydney Morning Herald recently ran an article about how Blacktown became one of the most vaccinated LGAs in the NSW and it is a testament to the grassroots efforts of local community leaders. Blacktown is one of the most multicultural communities in Australia, with 40% of its residents born overseas and up to 188 different nationalities represented in a population of less than 400,000. During the outbreak, leaders from the Nepalese, Sri Lankan, Sudanese, Afghan and Bhutanese communities formed an emergency taskforce to help educate the residents in the area about the COVID measures and the vaccines. 

They worked tirelessly, reaching out to the community through virtual doorknocks and social media.

We’re pleased to include the story of Dr Sohair Ali in this edition of The NSW Doctor. She is a general practitioner in Lakemba who was also one of the ‘vaccination heroes’ of the rollout. She helped organise a team of medical professionals to conduct a health outreach service to the South Sudanese community in Sydney.

I want to acknowledge the community leaders, like Dr Ali, for their commitment during the outbreak and the vaccine rollout. Keeping communities connected and informed during a period of isolation and confusion takes an incredible amount of time, energy, and dedication. But without their efforts, we wouldn’t be on the cusp of achieving a vaccination milestone that few other places in the world have yet achieved.