6th August 2021
AHPRA Members are considered registered health professionals and are able to work during this lockdown for essential clinical care only.
Regarding yesterday's announcement of a 7 day lockdown in Victoria means that all members operating in Victoria must close from 8pm Thursday 5th August until 8pm Thursday 12th August, except by telehealth / virtual consultation only.
The Victorian government has stated that only services provided by “allied health professionals working in private or public community services, whether clinic-based or home-based, providing essential clinical care where telehealth services are not clinically appropriate” are permitted.
For this purpose, essential clinical care is defined as:
- to prevent a significant change/deterioration in functional independence which would result in an escalation of care needs (e.g. an increase in frequency of treatment needed, an increased need for prescription medication due to a significant increase in pain, requirement for specialist input or review, an increase in care needs, and/or a substantial increase to anticipated recovery time associated with a delay in receiving services)
- to provide assessment and diagnostic services to clients / patients whose care have been delayed as a result of previous restrictions, with any further delay likely to result in deterioration in functional independence or adverse health outcomes (including access to diagnostic imaging services or assessment for prescription of assistive equipment and technology)
- to provide services that are essential as part of a broader plan of care with a medical practitioner (e.g. fitting a brace post-surgery)
- to provide services that are part of a conservative management plan to avoid or delay elective surgery (as agreed with treating team)
- to provide services immediately following elective surgery that prevent secondary complications or aid functional recovery (as agreed with treating team
Please note that routine care is not permitted.
To read the full statement from the Victorian government, please follow this link - https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/seven-day-lockdown-keep-victorians-safe
We understand this next week will impact all of you, your businesses and your clients. We trust that this lockdown will serve the intended purpose and help minimise the risk of further cases in the community.
ANTA is here to support you however we can, and we will continue to advocate on your behalf, while providing you with updated information as it comes to hand.