Table 5.

Staff health and training

Identification of staff at risk (vulnerable staff members) 1. Advice from the National Cabinet recommends self-isolation for: staff with a compromised immune system or over the age of 70, or over 65 with chronic medical conditions, or over 50 and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people with a chronic medical condition24 2. Staff then to seek advice from their primary health practitioner or specialist regarding their individual level or risk and share this advice confidentially with their manager Flexible working arrangements 1. Following sharing medical advice with manager, negotiation of flexible working arrangements including working from home where practicable, use of tele-health, temporary alterations in work duties (such as re-allocation to another team where this may be more possible) 2. Staff living with a vulnerable family member also eligible to explore flexible working arrangements to mitigate this risk 3. If flexible working arrangements are not possible or appropriate for vulnerable staff or staff living with a vulnerable family member, access to COVID-19 special leave with pay, and if this is exhausted, other leave entitlements Workplace health and safety 1. Ongoing planning of maintaining social distance in office and vehicles, restricting numbers of staff onsite if required, rotating teams in the office and communication of staff movements 2. MDT and other professional meetings via tele- or videoconference where possible 3. Periodic deep cleans of office and availability of cleaning equipment onsite to maintain cleanliness of environment 4. Availability of PPE 5. Self-assessment and reporting of work health and safety for environments for those working from home Staff training 1. Ongoing training and education over videoconference including updates regarding COVID-19 2. SA Health COVID-19 online training for all staff (‘COVID-19 stopping the spread in the workplace’) Counselling and support for staff during pandemic 1. Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counselling 2. Ongoing review of workload management with predicted change in service demands and workforce levels due to sick leave and self-isolation to minimise staff burnout 3. Acknowledgement of high staff anxiety levels in the face of change and uncertainty; compassionate response of leaders and support with work flexibility 3.1 Emphasis on maintaining social support and cohesion within teams, encourage maintaining home routines and exercise, flexibility where possible with duties with consideration to caring responsibilities 3.2 Mindfulness tools emailed daily to all staff to support well-being