National Cabinet to be briefed on capacity of health system

National Cabinet will be given an update on the capacity of the health system, amid warnings hospitals are being overrun from COVID-19 cases.

Doctors argue Australia’s hospital system is in serious trouble, claiming patients with treatable conditions are being pushed down the list, or left in ambulances due to a lack of beds.

The Prime Minister, state and territory leaders will be briefed on the situation, along with plans to increase ICU capacity once borders reopen and COVID-19 cases likely increase.

There’s a push to get GPs to work in emergency departments to ease workforce shortages.

Friday’s National Cabinet meeting will also consider advice which could make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all healthcare workers, just as public health orders made it compulsory for aged care staff.