COVID-19 – Update #2
27 March 2019
We are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and are taking increased measures to minimise the spread across the Kimberley.
We aim to keep our community, clients, stakeholders and staff safe and informed.
Boab staff working from home
Boab staff are currently transitioning to work from home effective Monday 30 March 2020. Staff are setting up equipment to be able to continue to offer virtual services online or via telephone.
Office closures
Our offices will be closed effective Monday 30 March until further notice. You can continue to reach us via phone, email or fax.
Suspension of non-essential face-to-face services
With the national shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), we have suspended all non-essential face-to-face allied health, mental health and ITC services (including client transport) until further notice. We are continuing to offer clients telephone or video appointments. And are utilising a range of online platforms including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Scopia and Facetime. For more information visit our COVID-19 Response Update page.
Essential Services – Podiatry high-risk clients
While our Podiatry services will significantly decrease, pending ongoing access to PPE, our Podiatry team will continue to provide essential services and will see clients in Broome, Derby and Kununurra who are at high risk of hospitalisation. Our clinicians will wear PPE during all face-to-face appointments and will maintain our high level of infection control practices at all times.
Upcoming appointments
If you have a preexisting appointment with one of our staff members, we will be in contact with you shortly to talk through your upcoming appointment options. Where possible we are continuing to offer you telephone or video appointments. We are utilising a range of video platforms including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Scopia and Facetime.
Suspension of outreach services to communities and towns
In line with the WA Government’s state of emergency declaration and restricted access to Aboriginal communities, as of Monday, 23 March 2020 we suspended all outreach services to remote Aboriginal communities and towns in the Kimberley. Review of this protocol will be guided by future Government directives.
Communication with clients
We will communicate regularly to update our clients on any changes to our service delivery via email, telephone and text message.
Partner and other services providers
If you have any question, queries or suggestions on how we can work together to support our clients during these unprecedented times please do not hesitate to contact one of our staff members.
New referrals
We are continuing to receive referrals via normal channels. However, there may be delays in providing some services to our clients. Please ensure client telephone and email address are up-to-date and included in the referral. Click here for more information on our standard referral process.
Coping with coronavirus anxiety
Beyond Blue Australia has some helpful tips if you are feeling worried about the coronavirus pandemic. View Beyond Blue article.
Living with diabetes and the coronavirus
People living with diabetes need to take the same precautions as everyone else, with a few additional considerations. For the latest information on diabetes and COVID-19 visit Diabetes WA.
Policies and plans
We are continuing to regularly update our staff on the latest guidelines on the coronavirus situation. Our Executive Management Team has formed a COVID-19 response committee and has developed a Pandemic Policy and COVID-19 Action Plan. We will manage our valuable workforce during this time to be able to support the community in this time of need.
How to contact us
You can contact us via our usual channels – phone, email and fax. Our Broome and Kununurra phone lines will continue to be monitored externally from 8.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
For the most up to date information
Australian Government Department of Health
WA Government – COVID-19 State of Emergency Declarations
WA Department of Health – HealthyWA
NACCHO
Smarttraveller
We know that there are many unknowns during this current time, but we want to assure you that we’re monitoring the pandemic closely, following government updates, and doing all we can to keep serving you in the safest possible way.
Please do not hesitate to contact me or anyone of our staff on 9192 7888 should you have any queries.