Keeping the community healthy

BELLARINE Community Health (BCH) is changing the way their organisation will deliver health services, in light of the coronavirus.
BCH chief executive officer Shane Dawson said they were playing their role in response to slowing the spread of the virus, closing gym spaces and suspending all group exercise and social support programs – as required.
“This is an evolving situation and we are working on ways we can deliver those programs differently and continue to support isolated and vulnerable members of our community.
“All BCH one on one allied health services such as podiatry, physiotherapy, dietetics community nursing, youth health services, home care packages, meals on wheels and our dental practice, are continuing with health and hygiene precautions
in place.”
Mr Dawson said the BCH GP clinic in Portarlington is now taking bookings via telehealth, with some of BCH’s outreach services into schools now suspended.
“As a health organisation, we are monitoring the situation closely and making decisions on a daily basis to keep our workforce and communities safe, while also being able to continue our services.”
Infection prevention precautions are being taken in all BCH reception areas: staff are implementing personal protective equipment procedures and BCH vehicles are being cleaned each time they’re used.
“BCH is also implementing flexible work arrangements to allow eligible staff members to work from home as an increased level of precaution and meetings will be conducted via teleconference or skype as much as possible,” Mr Dawson said.
“Unfortunately, several community engagement events involving BCH have been cancelled, including the ‘This Girl Can’ campaign.”