Dear ,

Our thoughts are with all those impacted by these terrible bushfires.

Our heart goes out to all those that have lost loved ones and their homes; and all the precious wildlife that has been lost or badly hurt. It has been such a heart wrenching time across Australia.

Thank you to those on the frontline and working in healthcare who continue to care and support those injured and in need during this terrible time. We will be doing as much as we can to support the ultrasound community and are working through various options as this newsletter goes out.

ASUM has put aside funds to help those devastated by the bushfires and needing support to attend the ASUM2020 conference in Sydney later this year. We will provide additional information in the near future regarding this support.

Thank you to those willing to volunteer your ultrasound expertise. Should you require support in the workplace due to loss, volunteering with RFS or other frontline roles, please contact the ASUM office regarding your needs on asum@asum.com.au or 02 9438 2078.

The Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) is currently taking registrations for workplaces experiencing staff shortfalls or fatigue as a result of the bushfire situation. They are also gathering names of healthcare professionals, both medical and allied health, to fill vacancies where needed. RWAV will identify available medical practitioners, nurses and allied health and any other staff that best fit; to help coordinate placement negotiations, paperwork, and credentialing provider numbers for each placement. If you have a vacancy or are willing and available to help, register here.

There have been a number of initiatives set up to support individuals who may be experiencing personal loss or trauma from the fires.

• Beyond blue has information about mental health and disasters - their support service can also be reached on 1300 224 636
• Lifeline is available on 13 11 14
• Mental Health services can be accessed by calling the NSW Mental Health line on 1800 011 511 and practical assistance is available via the Disaster Welfare Assistance line on 1800 018 444
• APM after offering free phone counselling to people

Should you wish to donate, the below organisations would gratefully accept any support and are registered charities.

NSW Rural Fire service  |  CFA Victoria  |  CFS Foundation SA  |  Red Cross  |  WIRES

We are proud to announce an improved governance process for the adoption of ASUM guidelines through a public consultation process. We are seeking member feedback on the following two guidelines:

1. Guidelines for the Performance of Third Trimester Ultrasound
2. Guidelines on the Performance of a Gynaecological Scan

All surveys can be accessed here.

Please provide your feedback through the survey link above by Monday 17 February 2020 or via our email address asum@asum.com.au.