Malaysian Society of Radiographers (MSR) Position Statement on Covid-19 Impact on our Members
In light of the current Covid-19 situation, the Malaysian Society of Radiographers would like to commend the front-liners in the country and also individuals abroad for doing an amazing job battling the pandemic. This pose no exception to the diagnostic radiographers assisting in this fight and our radiation therapists in the fight against cancer. We admire the strength and compassion of all radiographers, radiation therapists and health care providers in these difficult times. Thank you for your dedication, keeping your composure and always putting patient care and safety first.
Radiation Therapists are involved directly in the day-to-day treatment management for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in addition to providing the pillar of support to the patients’ emotional wellbeing. As some of these patients are required to undergo concurrent chemotherapy alongside their daily radiation treatment, the safety and wellbeing of the patients are paramount. We truly understand – due to manpower shortages across medical facilities, careful measures must be taken should there be an absolute need for these individuals to be involved in such roles. As Radiation Therapists are in daily contact with immune-compromised individuals and patients at higher risks of respiratory infection, extra care must be taken to mitigate such risks.
We strongly urge all hospitals and institutions to consider;
1. The nature of the staff’s core work and the possible risk should they be recruited in the triage role
2. Mitigation efforts should the assigned staff be absolutely required to assist in such roles
3. Higher level preventive measures such as full PPEs for assigned staff dealing with such patients in their jobs.
We, the Malaysian Society of Radiographers would like to highlight that the health and safety of the patients, society members, and staff are our utmost priority. Radiographers and Radiation Therapists are precious health resources to the country and are also critical in both the fight for cancer and the pandemic. This is also to ensure that such requirements and changes may not affect the job scope and practices of these allied health individuals in both short and long term.
We are supporting our Ministry of Health’s containment efforts in minimizing spreads and flattening the curve over time. Therefore, let us continue to work together to fight this storm and may we come out of this as stronger, more resilient professionals in the field.
We admire the strength and compassion of all radiographers, radiation therapists and health care providers in these difficult times. Thank you for your dedication and resilience!
Sawal Marsait
President
Malaysian Society of Radiographers (MSR)
PERSATUAN JURU X-RAY MALAYSIA
THE MALAYSIAN SOCIETY OF RADIOGRAPHERS
Affiliated to the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologist (I.S.R.R.T)
6th April 2020