COVID-19 Policy

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Updated 1st April, 2023 In 2022 in Victoria, we entered a new and unfamiliar stage of the COVID 19 pandemic, one in which we started to learn what it would be like to be 'living with COVID' in our local community. Due to the demand on our mental health services, it is essential that we can continue to provide uninterrupted mental health support to as many people in our community as possible while we navigate this challenging time together. To ensure that we can do this, we have developed and implemented, new policies and practices in our effort to manage and minimise the risks of COVID 19 transmission at our Occupational Therapy practice. Our new policies are underpinned by local and national directives and guidelines, including advice from Department of Health and Human Services, Coronavirus Vic Health and OT Australia. We appreciate your understanding and support as we implement these new policies and practices in our efforts to keep you, our team and our community as safe as we possibly can. We look forward to providing you with our continued support.Sincerely,Bianca Parsons

COVID-19 POLICY AND PRACTICES

  • The following is a summary of our new policies. It is important that you read this in detail, to understand any changes that may affect you.
  • Everyone working on our premises has been fully vaccinated and will not attend the clinic if unwell for any reason. Booster vaccinations are mandatory. All vaccination statuses are up to date.
  • Face-to-face support will be available for clients and Telehealth support will continue to be available as well.
  • If a COVID directive prevents client or therapist from attending a face-to-face appointment, it will not be cancelled but will automatically be converted to a Telehealth appointment (phone or video appointment).
  • If a COVID directive prevents you or your therapist from attending the practice within 48 hours of your appointment time, our cancellation policy (as per service agreement) will apply if you decline an offer for your appointment to be converted to Telehealth.
  • Additional control measures will be implemented at our practice (both onsite and mobile) to improve ventilation and ensure the building is clean and sanitised, and as safe as possible for everyone at all times.
  • COVID 19 DIRECTIVES AND YOUR APPOINTMENT
  • To ensure the continuity of your own care, and to ensure that we can continue to support as many people in our community as possible the following policies and practices will be implemented.
  • As we begin to live with Covid in our community it is likely that from time to you or your therapist may be physically well but unable to attend a face-to-face appointment. Such as when:
  • You or your therapist have mild cough or cold symptoms.
  • You or your therapist have been identified as a close contact.
  • You or your therapist are awaiting a COVID test result.
  • You or your therapist have been directed to isolate or enter lockdown.
  • Your appointment will automatically be converted to Telehealth (see above).
  • FACE TO FACE APPOINTMENTS
  • For all face to face sessions (either in clients home or in clinic) we request that you adhere to the following:
  • Strongly advised to wear a face mask
  • Maintain 1.5m distance from others
  • Maintain hand hygiene (utilise wash basins, hand sanitiser and no shaking hands)
  • Please do not attend the clinic or conduct your face to face session at home if:
  • You are you experiencing any cold/flu symptoms (i.e.: sore throat, runny nose, fever, headaches)
  • Have any feeling of generally being unwell
  • Have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19
  • Are awaiting a COVID-19 test
  • During this challenging time Recovery In Mind is constantly adapting and learning the most appropriate ways to manage the different scenarios we are faced with. At all times, the health and safety of all clients and staff is paramount. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we do our best to execute measures that keep our community safe and comply with Victoria Health directives.