Posted in Age care, Ask Nicky, Community services, Volunteering

An open letter from Dr Nicky Howe, CEO Southcare

With the news of WA’s COVID-19 lockdown roadmap now released by the State Government, I wanted to once again confirm Southcare’s position for the forthcoming week so we can continue to #protectandconnect and be a proactive carer, connector and contributor in our community.  

These changes take effect from 6pm on Friday 5 February 2021, ready for us to deliver essential services Monday 8 February 2021 until 12.01am Sunday 14 February 2021.  

I also want to reassure everyone that our COVID-19 Response Plan remains firmly in place and is aligned to the current advice from the Department of Health and WA State Government and we continue to monitor the evolving situation as a priority. 

 What that means for you is: 

  • Southcare in-home services will continue to be provided  
  • All Southcarers have masks and will be using these when providing services, in public, in transit and in the office  
  • Southcarers continue to screen all customers before entering homes and will only enter homes if customers are 100% well and have had no contact with the potential risk sites (provided by Healthy WA) or anyone who displays COVID-19 symptoms 
  • Home Care Workers will use full Personal Protective Equipment if needed 
  • Shopping and transport services will resume with Southcarers and customers wearing masks and customers seated in the back seat of the car  
  • Home Care Coordinator visits will resume in line with Government guidelines
  • No cash payments will be accepted – online is the only option 
  • Regular cleaning of the office continues  
  • Safe physical distancing and appropriate personal hygiene continues  
  • The Op Shop remains closed and no donations accepted 
  • Emergency Relief will be delivered by appointment only and in line with Government guidelines  
  • Financial Counselling and Aboriginal Family Support will continue only via online or phone services  
  • No external events will be held at Southcare premises 
  • Our office doors remain temporarily closed to all visitors  

 I want to also confirm we have completed a full audit of our employees and volunteers whereabouts in relation to the potential risk sites as advised by the State Government and Patient 903.  

This required all employees and volunteers to complete ongoing contact tracing declarations and means our home care workers, office-based staff and volunteers have declared they have not been personally exposed to the sites in Maylands, Midland, Morley, Ascot, Burswood, Cloverdale, Joondalup, Nedlands, North Perth or Perth on the specified dates. 

Contact tracing continues at all Southcare premises with all mandatory sign in registers in place at all of our office locations.  

 As always, I invite any questions from you regarding the way we do business and can be contacted on the details below. 

In the meantime, you can follow our COVID-19 update page, stay up-to-date on Facebook or get in touch. 

 

 Dr Nicky Howe
Chief Executive Officer
6117 3050
enquiries@southcare.org.au 

 5 February 2021 

Posted in Age care, Ask Nicky, Community services, Volunteering