NURSING PROTECTING

NURSING PROTECTING YOURSELF AND OTHERS FROM THE FLU AND COVID-19 This year’s flu season has been quite different. Due to the hygiene precautions, lockdown and social distancing put in place in various measures due to COVID-19, the spread of flu has been vastly reduced this year. In 2019, Australia recorded 310,000 cases of flu, and whilst we are not quite finished with 2020, all indicators are pointing to significantly reduced cases. The uptake of flu vaccinations this season has also been higher, helping to reduce the risk. Thankfully, the community in general embraced the Health Department’s recommended preventative hygiene measures to reduce the risk of spreading and contracting both the flu, and of course COVID-19. TIPS TO REMEMBER: / Get your annual flu vaccination: This doesn’t cover you for COVID-19, but the flu vaccine will help reduce the risk of you getting both conditions and also lessen the strain on hospitals and your lungs — both seasonal influenza and COVID-19 can cause respiratory issues and even pneumonia, which can cause lingering problems. You don't want to get both at the same time. / Practice good hygiene • wash your hands frequently • bin your used tissues, then wash your hands • keep 2 metres between you and others • avoid sharing used dishes/towels • cover coughs and sneezes / Self-care at home • social distancing • get plenty of rest • drink plenty of water and nonalcoholic drinks • keep warm • eat healthy foods • get plenty of fresh air • avoid exposure to cigarette smoke Source: FluTracking If you are unwell, seek medical advice, which may include a COVID-19 test, as we continue to monitor for potential community spread. If you live alone, let someone know if you aren’t feeling well so they can keep an eye on you. You can generally treat the symptoms of a mild cold or flu at home and get better within 7-10 days without treatment. If necessary, your local pharmacist can assist with over the counter treatments. See your doctor if you are experiencing high temperatures, headache, breathing difficulties, a rash, or if you are worried at all. You can also speak to a registered nurse for free advice 24/7 by calling Health Direct on 1800 022 222. If you would like to speak to someone about the Coronavirus, please call the National Coronavirus Helpline 24/7 on 1800 020 080. SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN, MSCN GENERAL MANAGER STRATEGIC SUPPORTS AND RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS 28

FEEDBACK AND COMPLAINTS Feedback is vital; it helps us to understand what we are doing well, congratulate our staff on a job well done, and identify areas to which we can make improvements. As a registered provider with the Department of Communities – Disability Services, the NDIS and Aged Care, MSWA welcomes your feedback. In accordance with the National Disability and Aged Care Quality Standards, MSWA has a Complaints Management Procedure. This provides us with timelines to investigate and feedback the results with solutions for each complaint raised. We also provide de-identified reports to our funding bodies each year on the number and classification of the complaints received. How do I provide a compliment, complaint or suggestion? MSWA’s Quality and Compliance Manager, Liz Stewart, coordinates the receipt of all formal complaints. She will chat to you about your feedback, explain the Complaints Management Procedure, review your concerns with the team involved and work to achieve a positive outcome. To contact the Quality and Compliance Manager: / Telephone Liz Stewart on 6454 3173 / Email feedback@mswa.org.au / Write to Quality and Compliance, Locked Bag 2, BENTLEY DC 6983 29