PANDEMIC MANAGEMENT

Click here to download a PDF version of our Pandemic Management Plan

PANDEMIC MANAGEMENT:

It is important you know that psychology is classed as an “essential service” and this means that professional help is available to all. We also offer a variety of modes of therapy (e.g., phone, telehealth and face to face) to try and support everyone and their individual circumstances. The Psychology Hub is actively trying to mitigate risks for all that attend our clinic. We have written a pandemic management response plan in relation to the current information available and with reference to current Chief Health Officer (CHO) Directives. Our pandemic plan involves four phases with various measures at each phase to protect everyone (this is subject to change if CHO directives change). In brief, phase one of our response is mostly to prepare and plan for the possibility of community transmission. Phase two is limiting exposure and spread (e.g., if there are active community cases in wider Brisbane) and Phase three is when there is forced lockdowns or where quarantine is required. Phase Four is Recovery if Phase three was reached. We have displayed this in our reception area. Below are our phases for your information.

Phase One means:

  • Masks are optional (unless you can’t socially distance)
  • Social distancing and hand sanitization are required
  • Our density level is 1 per 2m2
  • Increased frequency of environmental cleaning
  • Reminding service users (that’s you, your child and/or carers and support workers) of the importance of good hygiene (like with this email) and of social distancing
  • Encouraging good hygiene practices such as covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing (preferably into the elbow), disposing of tissues, and using alcohol-based hand sanitizer (e.g., signage in our waiting area)
  • Where possible avoid handshaking, hugging and other physical contact.
  • Our appointment email reminders prompt people not to attend if unwell
  • Staff are asked to remain home if unwell- even if unrelated to Covid-19
  • Face to Face sessions are acceptable
  • We suggest people only attend with no more than 2 others (1 is preferred)
  • All in clinic staff are vaccinated (* if exempt they follow CHO protocols)

Phase Two means:

  • Sanitization and infection control remain
  • Environmental cleaning increases
  • Signage for reducing spread remain
  • Masks are required in the waiting area and are encouraged in consult rooms
  • Our density changes to 1 per 4m2
  • Telehealth is encouraged. You and your treating practitioner should discuss the suitability of telehealth. Face to Face sessions are still permitted.
  • Your treating practitioner will take your temperature on arriving. Please arrive on time and do not enter the clinic earlier than your scheduled appointment.
  • Please only attend the clinic with one other if you are unable to attend alone
  • We encourage patients to purchase their own rapid antigen test (RA Test) and complete these 10-20 minutes before entering the clinic. These can be brought from several pharmacies (the one across the road from us stock these)
  • We encourage staff to purchase their own rapid antigen test (RA Test) and complete these 10-20 minutes before entering the clinic at the start of a work day (minimum every 3 days)
  • All in clinic staff are vaccinated (* if exempt they follow CHO protocols)

Phase Three Means:

  • Sanitisation and infection control remain
  • Environmental cleaning increases
  • Signage for reducing spread remain
  • Masks are required
  • Our density is 1 per 4m2
  • Telehealth is preferred/advised. You and your treating practitioner should discuss the suitability of telehealth. Face to Face sessions are permitted if necessary.
  • Your treating practitioner will take your temperature on arriving. Please arrive on time and wait outside until your treating practitioner collects you
  • Please only attend the clinic with one other if you are unable to attend alone
  • If you are unable to participate in telehealth, and will be attending in clinic, we ask that you purchase a rapid antigen test and complete these 10-20 minutes before entering the clinic (12+ years). These can be brought from several pharmacies (the one across the road from us stock these). If you do not wish to purchase and complete a RA test, please switch to a video or phone consultation.
  • Staff will be asked to complete rapid antigen tests at a minimum every 3 days
  • Positive RA Tests must be followed up with a PCR test
  • Your details will be shared with local health authorities if you become ill with suspected infectious disease (WHO 2020 recommended practice). If you do not agree to this you will not be able to attend the clinic in person)

Phase Four Means:

  • Masks are optional (unless you can’t socially distance)
  • Social distancing and hand sanitization are required
  • Our density level is 1 per 4m2
  • Increased frequency of environmental cleaning
  • Reminding service users (that’s you, your child and/or carers and support workers) of the importance of good hygiene (like with this email) and of social distancing
  • Encouraging good hygiene practices such as covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing (preferably into the elbow), disposing of tissues, and using alcohol-based hand sanitizer (e.g., signage in our waiting area)
  • Where possible avoid handshaking, hugging and other physical contact.
  • Our appointment email reminders prompt people not to attend if unwell
  • Staff are asked to remain home if unwell- even if unrelated to Covid-19
  • Face to Face sessions are acceptable- a staggered re-entry approach will be used
  • We suggest people only attend with no more than 2 others (1 is preferred)
  • Your treating practitioner will take your temperature on arriving. Please arrive on time and do not enter the clinic earlier than your scheduled appointment.
  • We encourage patients to purchase their own rapid antigen test (RA Test) and complete these 10-20 minutes before entering the clinic. These can be brought from several pharmacies (the one across the road from us stock these)
  • We encourage staff to purchase their own rapid antigen test (RA Test) and complete these 10-20 minutes before entering the clinic at the start of a work day (minimum every 3 days)
  • All in clinic staff are vaccinated (* if exempt they follow CHO protocols)

*This is subject to change and current CHO Directive will always supersede