Message from CEO - 10 September 2020
Hello everyone,
It's hard to believe September is already here. 2020 has certainly been a year full of change, uncertainty and challenge, but here at integratedliving we're as committed as ever to provide each of you with the safe delivery of services.
We wanted to take this opportunity to provide another update around our COVID-19 actions and why it’s important that we all work together to stay safe and well.
COVID-19 Screening Questions
integratedliving has adopted a precautionary screening process for both staff and clients and their household members.
What this means for you and the people you live with
When our staff member arrives at your home, they will ask you and other members of your household, seven screening questions.
If you answer yes to any of the screening questions, our staff member will call our Customer Service Centre and obtain advice on the next steps. We will consider the essential nature of your services and infection risk before making a decision about proceeding with scheduled services.
When you arrive at one of our centres or offices, you will be asked to complete these screening questions as you enter. You will also have your temperature checked.
Each of these steps in our screening process is designed to ensure the safety of our clients and their carers, our staff and the community. It is vital that we work together as we are relying on each other to safeguard everyone’s health and wellbeing.
Please be aware that these screening questions may need to change, depending on the COVID-19 situation as it unfolds around Australia. We may alter or add questions to the screening tool to safeguard both yourself and our staff from any emerging risk.
What this means for our staff
All staff will complete a self-screening check before they leave home. The Staff Screening Tool is completed by the staff member in relation to both themselves and anyone they live with.
If the staff member or anyone they live with answers yes to any of the of seven COVID-19 Screening questions, then they cannot attend work until they have clearance.
Use Of PPE
At integratedliving, we have adopted a precautionary approach to both staff and client safety. Our staff are fully trained to the highest standard in infection control and best practice hand hygiene and provided with all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Staff have access to resources to understand the correct use of PPE in any given situation.
- ACT/NSW/VIC/QLD – integratedliving has mandated that all staff wear s urgical masks when providing services in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT. While this is not necessarily mandated by each of these state or territory governments (except in Victoria and certain hotspot areas/aged care facilities in other states), we have mandated this for our staff as an extra layer of protection for both clients and staff.
- TAS/NT – In Tasmania and Northern Territory, there is no current mandate to wear masks unless you are directly caring for someone who is suspected or known to have COVID-19. Our staff in Tasmania and the Northern Territory are not required to wear a mask when providing services to clients at this time.
Please be aware that these mandates and our response to the wearing of face masks is subject to change depending on the most current COVID-19 situation around the country. We will let you know when we make changes to our requirements for staff in relation to the wearing of masks when providing services.
How you can help
If you are not asked the screening questions when a staff member arrives at your home or when you attend one of our Wellness or Activity Centres or offices, remind the staff member to ask the screening questions.
If a staff member is not wearing a face mask when they should be, as outlined above, ask them to put on the mask before starting the service.
If you have any concerns or if staff are not complying with our procedures, please contact us on 1300 782 896.
Wearing face masks correctly
While all Victorians must wear face masks when they leave their homes, in NSW it is recommended that people wear masks, particularly in situations where it is difficult to maintain physical distancing of 1.5m, such as on public transport, in supermarkets and shops and other indoor locations.
It’s important to remember that while face masks can provide an extra layer of protection against COVID-19, social distancing and frequent hand washing are the two most important measures you should always maintain to protect against COVID-19.
It’s also important to know how to fit, remove and dispose of masks correctly and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has several useful videos you may wish to watch on its website regarding this. Just click on this link to watch them.
RUOK? Day
Today is RUOK?Day and here at integratedliving we proudly support the message of the campaign, which is how important it is to check in on people if you notice they’re struggling, encourage them to get the help they need and continue to check in on them to ensure they’re ok.
This year has been unlike any other in recent memory, with challenges that have had negative impacts on people’s mental health. We encourage you to reach out if you need help - we’re here to support you in any way we can.
You can also access 24-hour support via Beyond Blue’s phone service on 1800 512 348. The government’s Head to Health website also provides great resources for anyone needing extra support. You can have a look at these resources here.
We are incredibly grateful for the support and dedication of our staff and your willingness to support a safe environment for all.
If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Service Centre on 1300 782 896.
Please stay safe and take care.
Chief Executive Officer
