As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation evolves, we are continuing to follow the latest advice and recommendations from health authorities including the Australian Government and World Health Organisation.
The health and wellbeing of our members, clients, staff and community remains our priority, and we are taking a collaborative approach to managing this outbreak.
While we are aiming to continue business as usual, the situation is changing daily and we are actively planning for all possibilities.
Temporary office closures – Rockhampton and Bundaberg
To protect the health and wellbeing of our staff, customers and the wider community, our Rockhampton and Bundaberg offices will be temporarily taking enquiries via phone or email only. Please direct your enquiries 1300 774 625 or enquiries@spinal.com.au
Support for our members and clients
We know many of our members and clients are concerned about the possibility of contracting coronavirus, as well as being self-isolated or admitted to hospital.
This also includes the potential for support workers being unable to attend shifts due to illness, self-isolation, school closures or other factors.
We have advised our personal support clients to review their emergency plan and update if needed and to consider hospital admission if family or informal supports are not available and they are at risk.
We are in contact with the Spinal Injuries Unit, Metro South Health and Metro North Health about their advice regarding hospital admissions if a person who has a spinal cord injury has no other option for support. We will provide further information and advice as it comes to hand.
We have also created a resource for emergency planning for people who may be left without support options from their provider or informal supports, including information on preparing for the event of hospital admission, available here.
In emergency situations if you are without personal support, and at risk, calls should be directed to Emergency Services on 000.
Personal Support and Home Care Services (PSHCS)
We are in close contact with all our PSHCS clients and Personal Support Workers to prepare in case our staff availability and service delivery are impacted. This includes contacting all clients by phone to discuss their emergency plans and informal supports they have in place from family and carers if needed.
We are also supporting any of our Personal Support Workers who need to self-isolate or are unwell with paid sick leave and have introduced a $10 fortnightly reimbursement to assist with purchasing cleaning and hygiene consumables, which is being included in their pay.
Allied Health and other services
Currently, our Allied Health Services will continue, including at the Healthy Living Centre. Before attending any appointments, team members will be calling any clients to ask about their situation and if they would prefer to reschedule the visit.
Our Back2Work and Peer Support team will also be providing phone and email support instead of visiting the Spinal Injuries Unit at this time.
In addition, our Peer Support Catch-ups that are regularly held across the state are being reviewed and will be postponed if required as per Government advice.
For all other services, including Supports Coordination, appointments will be taking place over the phone and via email to continue to support you. To stay advised of our latest office closures, please visit spinal.com.au or Facebook.
Keep up to date
It’s important that you regularly check the latest advice from health authorities, particularly around self-isolation requirements, preventative measures and what to do if you experience flu-like symptoms:
You can also call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 or speak with your doctor.
We will be communicating further with you as this situation evolves and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions in relation to Spinal Life and our services.