COVID-19 Response

Update 29/04/2020 8:30am 

In line with increases in COVID-19 testing criteria to include any health worker and more recently anyone with fever or respiratory symptom, IOH staff will be tested and must remain in self-isolation until they are confirmed as COVID-19 negative. Results are being returned more quickly than previously; however, we thank you for your understanding if your services need to be moved or rescheduled.

Update 23/03/2020 10:30am.

In light of the current situation in regard to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have reviewed our ongoing service delivery in line with our business continuity plan. 

Our position is in line with the NSW Health guidelines for Pandemics being there may be an Extended Response Time, meaning measures will likely be in place for an extended period of time. There may also be multiple pandemic waves. Therefore we are taking a balanced approach ensuring services continue to be delivered using our risk based approach. This involves risk to benefit being assessed, high need services being prioritised and enhanced precautions being implemented. We are working with our stakeholders to identify At-Risk Groups.

Our protocols for infection control during service delivery remain the same high level; however, we have increased precautions regarding isolation of symptomatic clinicians, cancellation of services and implementation of alternate delivery methods (eg: remote services) to keep our clients and clinicians safe.

Where appropriate IOH will be implementing adjustments to our service delivery to support government requests for increased social distancing. This will primarily involve telehealth and teleconference implementations, where the benefits to social distancing outweigh the service impacts.

What this may mean for our service:

• Where a client or a member of their household indicates symptoms of flu or is in quarantine, the service will be cancelled, unless service is critical in nature.
• If a site company policy (eg: group home or employer) dictates we cannot attend a site, we will explore alternatives; however, the service may need to be cancelled.
• Possible delays with services may occur due to clinician availability:
  – Clinicians who have been overseas or in direct contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 must self-quarantine.
  – Where clinician indicates symptoms of flu we are removing them from front line services and have a self-isolation policy implemented. We will attempt to transfer/reschedule services with another clinician where appropriate, but may need to cancel and defer.

How you can help:

• Please let us know if you or any of your clients/workers have symptoms of illness, are in isolation or self-quarantine (mandatory for international travel or anyone with direct contact with confirmed COVID-19 case) and advise your clients/workers to contact us immediately if their situation changes.
• Please help us to inform clients of the reasons behind possible delays, to manage expectations and avoid any unnecessary stress.
• Please inform us of any clients who are categorised as high risk for infectious disease and may require extra precautions. For example:
  – Older adults
  – People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
  – Heart disease
  – Diabetes
  – Lung disease

Please refer to site contact information for directed enquiries. General enquiries can be made to info@ioh.net.

Thank you again for your understanding and working with us to protect our clients, whilst ensuring they continue receiving the services they need. 

We wish you all the best.

James Hogg
Managing Director