Update for Allied Health professionals - the Department of Health recently introduced the Allied Health in Residential Aged Care Facilities – COVID Allied Health Package. Click here to learn about the temporary MBS items for subsidised allied and mental health services in RACFs, the types of services available and referral pathways/care coordination.

COORDINARE are conducting ongoing work to support pandemic planning and are inviting GPs and nurses to provide details of any services they provide to aged care facilities in their region. To complete the online form click here.

Department of Health

• COVID-19 guidelines for infection prevention and control in residential care facilities
• First 24 hours: managing COVID-19 in a residential aged care facility
• Guidelines for outbreaks in residential care facilities
• Protocol to support joint management of a COVID-19 outbreak in a residential aged care facility (RACF) in NSW

NSW Health

• Advice for aged care services
• Residential aged care facility outbreak management
• Secondary triage

COORDINARE

• Infection control webinar 1 (COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and Ventilation Update)
• Infection control webinar 2 (Basic Infection Prevention and Control)

Department of Health

• COVID-19 infection control online training module
• Environmental cleaning and disinfection principles for health and residential care facilities

RACGP

• Optimising the use of personal protective equipment in general practice during COVID-19
• RACGP Infection prevention and control standards

Clinical Excellence Commission

• COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control

There is never a wrong time to seek help. Here are some options for support below:

• DRS4DRS: an independent program providing doctor-to-doctor confidential support and resources. The program is available to doctors and medical students across Australia. Call (07) 3833 4352.
• RACGP The GP Support Program: a free and confidential psychological support service available to all members. Call 1300 361 008.
• Nurse Support Line: a national support service for primary health care nurses, providing access to professional advice and guidance.
• Self-care videos: COORDINARE recently partnered with David Younger, Clinical Psychologist, to produce two short videos with information about self-care during emergencies. Click the links below to watch the videos: Self-care during and after emergencies | Promoting self-care when managing staff during and after emergencies

Please see below for a range of resources that provide details for primary care providers on business continuity support during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Business continuity

• Contact list of financial institutions and support available – Australian Banking Association
• Crisis response plans and risk assessment templates – Business Australia
• Support available for business – Australian Government 
• Support available for financial hardship – Australian Banking Association

Electronic prescribing

• Fact sheet for pharmacists – Department of Health
• Fact sheet for prescribers – Department of Health

Employment

• COVID-19 advice for employers – Safe Work Australia
• COVID-19 and Australian workplace laws – Fair Work Ombudsman
• COVID-19 FAQs – Australian Business 

Tax and super obligations

• Support available due to COVID-19 – Australian Tax Office