Disaster Management
CESPHN’s Disaster Management program was established in late 2024 as a demonstration of our commitment to supporting the central and eastern Sydney region to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters or critical incidents that impact health and wellbeing.
We recognise our communities’ increasing vulnerability to climate change and other disasters and, having learned from recent events, we know that preparation is key.
Primary care providers can play a crucial role in supporting an emergency response. Working with local primary care providers, emergency agencies, partners and communities, the CESPHN Disaster Management program aims to build resilience in the region and safeguard access to healthcare services. To enhance the region’s preparedness and capacity to respond to disasters, CESPHN established a volunteer register for a Primary Care Emergency Response Team (PCERT).
The Primary Care Emergency Response Team (PCERT) response group is made up of:
- 40 General Practitioners
- 6 Practice Nurses
- 1 Pharmacist
- 2 Public Health Administration
- 5 Mental Health Workers
Engaged with regional stakeholders relating to emergency preparedness, planning, response and recovery
- Established the CESPHN PCERT with 54 members
- Hosted two information sessions with PCERT members
- CESPHN represented at scheduled SLHD and SESLHD Emergency Management Committee meetings
- Connected with local councils to advise of the CESPHN Disaster Management Program
- Provided Chair and Secretariat duties for NSW/ACT PHN Disaster Management Network.
Developed resources and communications
- Developed the PCERT emergency communications system
- Distributed two newsletters for PCERT members
- Published disaster management pages on CESPHN website
- Reviewed SLHD and SESLHD pages for disaster management HealthPathways for updates
- Reviewed CESPHN’s general practice emergency management template for updates
- Developed emergency preparedness and protocols to support establishment of the PCERT team.