COVID-19 (Coronavirus) UPDATE
A message from our Executive Officer – Michelle Wood
Dear Banksia clients and carers,
I am writing to you to provide updated information related to Banksia Palliative Care’s service delivery during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Our promises
Firstly, I want to reassure you that none of the Banksia clinical team members have travelled overseas in the last several months, nor will they come to your home if they are unwell, or have had a COVID-19 test, and not received the result – we promise that we will do everything possible to keep you safe.
Also, Banksia has changed several work processes over recent months to ensure we can continue to provide expert palliative care support whilst keeping our team, and you and your family/carers safe and healthy. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we are responsive to Government recommendations, and alter our work processes to support any change. We will continue this vigilance until the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.
SAFETY
Your safety, and that of our team is very much at the forefront of our minds and actions.
To ensure safety and to provide the best care, at every visit, we will ask questions about COVID-19 before we enter your home at every visit. Your answers being accurate is extremely important.
We will be asking:
- If you, or anyone you live with, currently have any respiratory symptoms, a chest or throat infection or a fever.
- If you have had visitors to your home within the last week who have had any respiratory symptoms, a chest or throat infection, or a fever.
- If you, anyone you live with, or any visitors have travelled and returned from overseas recently.
- If you, anyone you live with, or any visitors have been tested for COVID-19 in the last 7 days, and the results (if known).
- If you, anyone you live with, or any visitors have had contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
If you answer ‘Yes’ to any of the questions, we may wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when we visit, or provide support via telehealth (phone or video conference). We will work with you to find the best option for you.
Masks
Our staff may wear masks (and/or gloves) when they come to your home to see you. This is not because they are unwell, or because we think anyone in your home is unwell – it is simply because our team are health workers and they work within the community. Our team will not be offended if you ask them to put a mask on when they visit, or if you decide to wear a mask while they are there.
As wearing masks, for the time being, may become a normal way of life, to support our staff, clients and the environment, we contacted the very generous members of The Patchwork Gallery Quilt Group, who are exceptional supporters of Banksia, to ask them to make cotton facemasks for the Banksia clients. We have received a supply of beautifully handmade quilted facemasks, which are ready for distribution. Due to the limited supply, we can only offer one to each client at this time. If you would like a mask, please ask our staff when they visit.
COVID-19 testing
Any person in our community who shows any symptoms aligned to COVID-19 (fever, sore throat, cough, etc), is being asked by our Government to be tested for COVID-19. It is essential that all staff, clients and carers are tested to ensure we all keep each other safe and well. We encourage you to have a test should it be appropriate – being tested will not prevent us from visiting your home if we are needed. We also encourage you to call us if you need help to access testing – we will do everything we can to help with this
Where to from here….
I want to assure you again that Banksia is here for you- its ‘business as usual’. We will continue to support you and your family in your home, despite the COVID-19 situation. If you have any questions in regards to this letter or any concerns in regards to the COVID-19 Pandemic that relates to the Banksia service, please do not hesitate to call our office for advice and clarification.
We want to thank you for all your support and consideration during this time of uncertainty – please take care of yourselves and stay safe.
MICHELLE WOOD
Executive Officer
Lawrie and Linda Carter talk about their experience with Banksia Palliative Care Service.
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Current opportunities to join the Banksia Palliative Care Service team.
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