We want to provide you with an update on how we are responding to the latest COVID-19 lockdown.
First things first: we will continue to show our clients warmth, care and compassion. You are the centre of our daily work, and the COVID-19 virus does not change that.
Like everyone, we have adapted the way we work to keep you safe, and keep our staff safe. Below is an overview of the different ways we are maintaining our services to you. But first, a reminder about visiting our sites –
FACE MASKS, HAND HYGIENE AND SOCIAL DISTANCING
When you visit one of our sites, you must:
- Wear a face mask. This is both a condition of entry, and the law
- Maintain at least 1.5 metres between yourself and other clients and staff
- On arrival and departure, use the hand sanitiser provided
TELEHEALTH SERVICES AVAILABLE
A whole range of our health services are available via telephone or video conferencing. You can get professional health support from your home, including an appointment with a doctor, or support with diabetes, counselling, dietetics, NDIS participant meetings, or children’s services. If you have an appointment during the lockdown, you can call and ask for a telephone or telehealth appointment instead.
ON-SITE APPOINTMENTS
On-site appointments for our one-to-one services are available when telehealth is not a suitable option. If you would like to make an appointment, give us a call on 1800 242 696.
EMERGENCY DENTAL SERVICES ONLY
We are only offering emergency dental services on-site. Normal check-ups, scaling, and cleaning are not offered at the moment.
GROUP-BASED ACTIVITIES NOT RUNNING
Group-based and community outreach activities are not running during lockdown. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Activities for carers
- Planned Activity Group sessions
- Exercise groups
- Chronic disease support groups
If you’re unsure whether this impacts you, please give us a call.
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
Lastly, let’s reconfirm the symptoms of COVID-19. They can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with COVID-19 may experience:
- fever
- shortness of breath
- flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue
IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
- Call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398. They will provide you with further instructions.
- Do not attend a GP clinic without calling and making an appointment first.
When you make an appointment, you must let us know if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. We can help you, but only if we know when you are coming.
Stay positive everyone, and look for ways to help those around you. Together, we’ll get through this – again!