COVID-19 Response Plan

 

 The latest information on the response to COVID-19 can be obtained from the NDIS website at: https://www.ndis.gov.au/coronavirus

 

Outline

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on 11 March 2020. It is highly contagious and can cause severe respiratory illness. While anyone can be infected, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are most vulnerable. Symptoms can include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• fatigue, and
• shortness of breath.

 

Introduction

Pandemics are high-risk situations that develop quickly. They have the potential to severely impact the health of workers and participants. As work within the disability sector often requires close contact between workers and participants, putting in place social distancing and social isolation measures may also impact our ability to provide services.

Our services in such an environment will need to be:

• pre-planned
• risk-managed
• flexible, and
• person-centred

D&C Nursing Care Pty Ltd policy covers the COVID-19 pandemic, which an ongoing situation that can change quickly and at short notice. As a support provider, we will continuously review and utilise the COVID-19 resources provided by the NDIS as well as the NDIS provider alerts to ensure we meet all required health and safety standards.

 

Participant Vulnerability

We understand that people with disability are more vulnerable to developing illness during a pandemic because they are more likely to:

• have complex pre-existing conditions including multiple morbidities
• have a compromised immune system (e.g., due to pre-existing conditions or medications)
• require the use of medical equipment (e.g., urinary catheters, tracheostomies).

We will manage risks for all our participants and take into account each participant’s choices, goals and situation.

 

Basic Prevention Measures During A Pandemic

There are basic hygiene and cleaning measures that we take at all times. These are recorded in detail in our infection control and waste management policies. Some basic measures that we take include:

• washing hands frequently and at relevant times
• maintaining respiratory hygiene at all times
• ensuring all areas are cleaned with appropriate tools and cleaning agents
• managing all forms of waste in a safe and suitable way
• wearing appropriate PPE when required.

During a pandemic we recognise that it is important to maintain a high level of hygiene and continue this when social distancing and/or isolation is required.

 

Isolation

We may need to have a worker or participant in isolation if they:

• have been tested positive for a pandemic-level illness
• are experiencing symptoms of a pandemic-level illness

We will support workers in isolation by offering opportunities to work from home or making appropriate leave arrangements. In addition, we will provide workers with counselling and other resources as required. Although necessary, isolation can be a stressful experience. Therefore, we will ensure that participants in isolation:

• are still able to receive essential supports and services
• are isolated in a comfortable, clean, and well-ventilated environment
• keep in touch with their support network via various telecommunication methods
• learn about and discuss their experience
• keep normal daily routines where possible (e.g., eating, sleeping and exercise)
• partake in home-based activities they enjoy

 

Privacy And Confidentiality

D&C Nursing Care is committed to maintaining privacy and confidentiality in accordance with all relevant policies and legislation. Under usual circumstances, the participant can decide whether they reveal health information to us. The only time when we will request information about a health condition is if it is a notifiable condition under the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System. This may occur in the event of a pandemic. We will request this information to:

• give the person the support they need
• ensure the safety of all people within our organisation, including participants, workers, and visitors
• put risk-minimisation measures in place.

 

Covid-19 Training

The Australian Government’s Department of Health has released an online training module to assist support workers with understanding how to best navigate provision of care during the pandemic. The training covers infection prevention and control (IP) for COVID-19, including:

• COVID-19 – what is it?
• signs and symptoms
• keeping safe – protecting participants and your workforce
• mythbusting.

At the end of the course, the support worker should be able to:

• understand the basics about the COVID-19 virus, including how it is spread
• describe what you can do to protect participants and your workforce
• know what to do if you develop symptoms.
• know what to do if the person you are supporting develops symptoms.
• tell the difference between myths and facts of COVID-19.

It is strongly advised that workers complete the online training, so as to improve the likelihood of acting correctly in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.

The Department of Health has also created a webinar on COVID-19 preparedness for In-home and the Community Aged Care which is also useful to NDIS providers.

Additional information can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health as well as the NDIS’s COVID-19 website, both of which are updated regularly with new information and resources.

 

Covid-19 Vaccination

All Australians are encouraged to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine and is mandatory for Support Workers.

Both SupportWorkers and people with disability are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The latest information about COVID-19 Vaccination can be obtained from the Department of Health and Aged Care, please refer to the website here: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines

 

For the most up-to-date information on our response to COVID-19, please visit the NDIS website at www.ndis.gov.au/coronavirus.