Role
The National Health Emergency Management Sub-committee (NHEMS) of the Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) enables cross-jurisdictional collaboration on health emergency management in an all-hazards, all-incidents and all-consequences context with a focus on Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery (PPRR).
The role of the NHEMS is to:
- support the coordination of and contribute to health systems emergency responses of national significance
- support cross-border health emergency management arrangements, including with New Zealand, where practicable
- contribute to, review and endorse national health emergency response plans, frameworks and principles including hazard-specific and/or capability plans
- contribute to, review and endorse Australian Medical Assistance Teams (AUSMAT) Guiding Principles
- support and enable cross-jurisdictional and national activities regarding health emergency management including capacity and capability development, training, and education
- foster a shared lessons management and continuous improvement focus across jurisdictions that identifies opportunities, gaps and appropriate risk mitigation
- advise AHPC on health emergency management PPRR and escalate issues of significance when required
- advise government agencies, such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), on health emergency management PPRR, as required, and
- undertake specific tasks as requested by AHPC.
NHEMS also performs a coordination function under Australia’s Domestic Health Response Plan for All-Hazards Incidents of National Significance (AUSHEALTHRESPLAN).
Members
The NHEMS membership includes senior representatives from:
- each Commonwealth, State and Territory department responsible for health emergency management
- the New Zealand Ministry of Health (health emergency management)
- National Emergency Management Agency
- Australian Defence Force (Joint Health Command)
- National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre
- Council of Ambulance Authorities.
NHEMS may invite subject matter experts to its discussions as required.
Meetings
NHEMS meets quarterly. It also meets when:
- a national health emergency happens
- tasked by the AHPC.
Related committees or groups
NHEMS reports to the Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC).
Contact
