Health workers paint dire picture of Australia’s hospital systems as more than 8,500 staff isolate

Health workers paint dire picture of Australia’s hospital systems as more than 8,500 staff isolate Effects of Covid surge and staff shortages reach regional centres, putting pressure on local clinics the Guardian

...

“Or patients are being forced to go to other practices, which if you’re in a bigger town that’s OK, but if you’re in a town with one GP practice, you have to drive 100 kilometres,” she said. “It’s not viable. When you are sick, it’s a real issue.”

State governments are grappling with how to handle this pressure. Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews, announced 400 new staff would be recruited under a $162m state government plan to help the sector...