The Flemish Government has announced that it will soon set up a medical crisis team to help people during large-scale health and welfare emergencies. The plan was announced by Flemish Welfare Minister Caroline Gennez (socialist).
Initially the new team will be made up of around 100 medical volunteers. Around 80 of these will be nurses and 20 will be doctors. They will be able to respond to a crisis situation within 48 hours.
The team will help during crisis situations such as outbreaks of infectious diseases. Their tasks may include contact tracing, vaccinating vulnerable people, sharing health advice and helping to keep healthcare services running during medical emergencies.
The medical crisis team project will be developed in cooperation with Red Cross Flanders that will organise and coordinate the volunteers.
Ms Gennez said the Flemish Government has a duty to protect everyone in society in difficult times. This applies particularly to older people, children and people with disabilities.
In the project’s first year, the Flemish Government plans to spend 250,000 euro on the medical crisis team. If the project works well, the team could later grow to 300 volunteers. Medical professionals that want to join can sign up through the Red Cross’ website.