CEO Update 12 Feb

Bayley House welcomes the announcement by the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to impose Stage 4 restrictions across Victoria as a means of limiting the spread of COVID-19 from the Holiday Inn exposure.  We appreciate that these restrictions will impose additional challenges for our clients, families and staff but understand that this response is necessary.  Please note that effective from 11.59pm Friday 12 February 2021 and at this point in place until 11.59pm Wednesday 16 February 2021 the following restrictions will be in place at Bayley House –

Residential services

• NO visitors to the premises
• Clients not to leave the premises for any reason other than a medical appointment
• We will staff some limited additional activities
• Short Stay continues and existing bookings proceed; no new bookings
• Existing hygiene controls remain in place

Day service

• All face to face group activities suspended
• All Community activities suspended
• We are actively exploring online services and will make further announcements about this soon

You will be aware that vaccinations for COVID-19 will commence being rolled out across Australia in the coming weeks.  Bayley House supports the National Disability Services (NDS) policy position that vaccinations for all disability support workers should be mandatory.  Whilst we appreciate that the Commonwealth Government messaging is that this will not be legislated we believe that the best way in which we can support and protect our clients is through a vaccinated workforce.  We will do what we can to assist with community education and a comprehensive understanding of the value of vaccination.

Bayley House will be subject to our first full accreditation under the NDIS Standards in early March.  The external auditors will seek to engage with a number of clients and families and we will be in touch in the coming days to facilitate this.  The audit is an important part of ensuring that all service providers deliver services to an appropriate standard and I encourage you to participate if you have been selected.  Equally, participation is your choice, and if you feel uncomfortable about doing so please advise us and we will advise the auditors that you do not wish to be involved.

Thanks everyone for your continuing support.  2021 will no doubt be better than 2020 but we know it will not be straight forward.  I do hope that this latest escalation of concern can be addressed quickly and effectively and that we can return to delivering a full suite of services in a few days.

Stay Safe and Well.

Warwick Cavanagh
CEO Bayley House