Infection Control Measures - Muscular Dystrophy Queensland

Infection Control Measures

The World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic requiring a global coordinated effort. Symptoms can include fever, flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue and/or shortness of breath.

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland is concerned for the welfare of our community living with muscle wasting conditions, particularly those whose immune systems are suppressed and those with compromised respiratory and/or cardiac function, who we believe may be at a higher risk of developing complications should they contract COVID-19.

What we’re doing

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland has made some changes the way we work, to maintain the health and safety of our staff and our clients, their families and carers. We have already undertaken the following steps and will continue to monitor the situation, revising our response and plan of action.

  • Staff are aware MDQ’s current response and plan of action
  • workers have a good understanding of infection control principles
  • sharing the signs of the coronavirus and requesting all staff and visitors are vigilant
  • placing information posters in the workplace, meeting rooms and treatment areas
  • ensuring staff only attend the office if they; are feeling well, have not travelled overseas or live in  the same household as someone who has recently returned from overseas travel with in the past 14 days and have not come into close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19
  • prior to appointments, ensuring our clients (and any other people who might attend the appointment with them) are feeling well, have not recently travelled overseas and have not come into close contact with a person who has tested positive to COVID-19
  • offering alternatives to face-to-face meetings and accommodating requests to cancel or postpone appointments
  • using preventative measures to limit the spread of any virus

Changes to Client Services

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland are continuing to provide services for our clients where we are able. We have made some changes to the way we work to further protect our clients and staff from the spread of viruses. This includes:

  • All clients will be contacted by us on the day of their appointment to ensure that they (and anyone who will attend their appointment with them) are well and are not displaying any flu-like symptoms
  • For onsite visits, people will be offered hand sanitizer before and after their session. All surfaces will be wiped down with disinfectant after every session.
  • Home visits are being conducted as long as clients, others in the household and staff remain well.
  • Alternative methods of holding the appointment may be offered such as phone interviews or telehealth.
  • Equipment trials and delivery will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
  • We may ask clients to be tested for COVID-19 prior to respiratory physiotherapy interventions.
  • All visitors to our office and treatment spaces – All visitors should have been advised prior to their meeting that they should not attend if feeling unwell, if they have traveled overseas recently or if they’ve come into contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.  As well as calling people prior to their appointments with us, we screen all arrivals to the office. We do not permit access into the office space for anyone who fits these risk categories.

Changes to Fundraising Events

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland host a range of fundraising events annually with proceeds supporting our charitable work such as our free helpline, extended care services and equipment loan services.  Our fundraising team and management are continually monitoring updates and advice and will make changes to fundraising events as necessary.

Continuing Free Support Through Our Charitable Programs

We recognise that unplanned events such as these can raise new concerns and uncover areas of need. We want to reassure you that, as much as possible, it’s business as usual for Muscular Dystrophy Queensland. As always, we are here to support our community and to connect you with services available to assist you. If you feel you need our assistance, please call us on 07 3243 9700 or email us.