Articles on: COVID-19

COVID-19

As an established local provider, Community Therapy has considerable experience keeping consumers and participants healthy and safe during COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns with essential Allied Health services.

Throughout 2020, clinically, we observed the rise in frailty, falls, pain, malnutrition, anxiety and depression during the lockdown periods and thereafter. We listened to our partner organisations who reported a rise in social isolation and the clinical effects of increased falls, frailty and morbidity.

Continuity of allied health support for older adults, people living with disabilities and people returning home from hospitalisations and surgeries is essential to prevent deterioration in both physical and mental health.

Access to our Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Dietetics services will continue across the Central Coast, Hunter and Port Stephens in line with the Department of Health and NSW Guidelines.

Community Therapy continues to follow all Department of Health and NSW Health procedures relevant to:
● allied health services
● home care services
● residential aged care services
● disability services

In order to continue to provide these essential services in our region we have processes such as but not limited to the following in place:
● surgical masks worn by clinicians
● surgical masks worn by consumers and participants (our team have access to additional stock to provide masks to consumers and participants)
● all our staff have completed training in infection control measures
● all our staff must complete Department of Health online COVID-19 training modules
● all our staff are experienced and trained using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
● all our staff must receive a flu vaccination each year of provide medical evidence of why they are unable to receive a vaccination
● all our staff are strongly encouraged to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination and it is mandatory for our staff working across residential aged care
● continuation of strict hand hygiene and physical distancing
● continuation COVID-19 screening questions completed at all home visits
● continuation of Service NSW COVID Safe Check-in at our administration offices
● clinical and team meetings held via teleconference
● team members working from home where appropriate
● telehealth available where appropriate
● changes in schedules where appropriate to limit movement of team members
● minimum of daily meetings by our leadership team to review our responses to the situation as it evolves

We will continue to work closely with all of our partner organisations across this period. The fight against COVID-19 requires a combined approach from community, team and individuals. It requires vigilance, robust processes and strong collaboration between partner organisations.

If you have any questions about how we will ensure your mobile allied health service is safe, please do not hesitate to ask us.

Updated on: 29/07/2021

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