We've only been living with Omicron for about a month, but already there are reports that hospitals around the country are at breaking point, forcing several states to postpone so-called 'elective' surgeries.

But what happens when even that isn't enough to stem the flow of patients, especially as more and more hospital staff test positive or have to isolate as a close contact themselves?

The Quicky speaks to an Intensive Care Unit doctor, a public health expert, and a woman who had to deliver and save the life of her own baby to find out what is going on inside our hospitals, and whether there is any Plan B for when the system completely breaks down.

CREDITS 

Host: Claire Murphy

With thanks to: 

Dr Belinda* - Doctor in an Australian Intensive Care Unit

Professor Bruce Thompson - Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Swinburne University of Technology, and an international expert on clinical respiratory measurement

Mel Moir - Recently had to use her midwifery skills to deliver her own baby at home after the Ambulance failed to arrive in time and her son wasn't breathing

*Name has been changed for privacy.

Producer: Claire Murphy

Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane

Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri

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