Speak Out April 2020 DIGITAL VERSION. pdf

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in significant implications for health professionals, including speech pathology, working across all public and private sectors. While there may be issues and concerns common to allied health, there can also be specific implications for different professions. The Association has created a dedicated webpage to help members find the latest information as it relates to working through the current climate and broader issues relating to COVID-19. The Association’s COVID-19 News and Information landing page provides a direct link to the Australian Government Department of Health website which provides the latest government news and updates, plus specific guidance for Health and Aged Care Workers. Importantly, the Government site also includes information on the symptoms of COVID-19 and how you can look after yourself and stay well. Chronologically based updates from SPA then follow, which includes a range of specific guidance and updates. Further information on each of these updates are then linked to dedicated pages, including the following: Impact on speech pathologists • includes guidance in relation to speech pathology procedures and service delivery; practice and financial supports for speech pathology businesses; resources for the public; and changes and updates in relation to Association functions, (i.e., qualification and competency assessments), events and professional development. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented times for all on a very global scale. The Board and the staff team at Speech Pathology Australia know that these current times are filled with uncertainty and anxiety from many perspectives, both professionally and personally, and have created many challenges for our members. As we have communicated, the Association wants to assure you that the health and safety of our members, staff and community is at the heart of all decisions that the Association is making as we respond to the daily changes and challenges in relation to the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). There are regular updates from the Government and other sources, which we immediately pass onto members through our dedicated COVID-19 webpage, as well as our social media platforms including our Facebook communities. These have proved to be excellent places for the Association and members alike to share resources. As a speech pathology community, we are collaboratively doing a great job in keeping everyone informed and supported – as has been said, “we’re all in this together”. reponse and resources to support members COVID-19 The Association's

Telepractice advice and resources • provides the Association’s position on telepractice/ telehealth, useful FAQs and resources including important considerations for determining a client’s appropriateness and suitability for telepractice, relevant professional development events, as well as advice on certain telepractice IT requirements and platforms. Medicare, DVA and private health funds • provides updates from the different funding schemes on policies and parameters under which clients may be able to access rebates for a telehealth service, with this still evolving at this time. As the available information and resources are continually being updated, we encourage members to regularly visit the Association’s COVID-19 pages. You can also stay up-to-date with developments by joining our Facebook member communities, follow SPA’s twitter feeds, and keeping an eye out for dedicated email updates and for our National eNews distributed each month. Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer As we informed members through a dedicated email, from Monday 23 March, the Association transitioned to a fully remote office for the foreseeable future. We took this step even before a full lockdown, as we believed that this was the socially responsible thing to do, to protect staff, their families and the broader community. The Association’s functions and services have continued to operate at full capacity during this time and we are very fortunate that staff are equipped and capable to provide necessary support and assistance to members as well as the broader speech pathology profession. The Association recognises this is a very stressful time; however, it is heartening to reflect on the resilience of our members, Board and staff which will see our profession thrive and continue to deliver critical services to the clients we serve. Below is an overview of the updates, supports and resources provided to date, but acknowledge as things are moving rapidly, that further updates will have been provided from the time of going to print.

COVID-19 as it impacts members and the speech pathology profession

Go to the Association's COVID-19 page

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April 2020 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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