To our Emerge family,
We are writing to firstly check in with you and your children as to how you are going in these uncertain times? We value connections and meaningful attachments to foster growth and development and have been working together to ensure that in a time of social distancing we remain “connected” and can continue to offer your child meaningful, evidence based interventions so that despite what is happening broadly does not have to impact on your own child’s personal goals and needs.
The Emerge team have been meeting regularly and again this morning to ensure we are responsive and current with all health recommendations made. In light of this moving forward families will have a range of options available to them to ensure as minimal disruption as possible. These include:
Clinic visits:
As a health setting we are currently excluded from regulations but will be amplifying social distancing strategies. Please be confident your staff outside of work is practicing social distancing and if feel unwell will self-isolate. The following is requested of all families attending the clinic:
- Hygiene strategies will continue including everyone being required to wash their hands on arrival, all toys etc. are cleaned between appointments and office furniture multiple times per day.
- We appreciate transition items are necessary for some of our children. If possible please make this item a wipeable item and wiping down our toys together will form part of the session. If transition items can be avoided, it is appreciated.
- Please only essential people attend the session i.e. one parent and child. We ask at this time that no siblings attend. For those unable to do this alternative options are discussed below.
- Please arrive on time to your appointment and if early we ask you to wait in your car until your appointment time to avoid use of our waiting room where possible.
- EFTPOS facilities will no longer be operating. Families requiring this service will either be invoiced or can give credit card details verbally or over the phone to process payments.
- Families affected will be contacted directly about changes to any group programs.
Home visits:
If you are in self isolation or would prefer home visits our staff are able to offer this service and will practice personal hygiene of cleaning their hands prior to and after leaving your house. If you would like home visiting the Emerge team require the following:
- A space to work with your child allowing social isolation from other family members e.g. a specific room, the backyard etc.
- We will require using resources already in your home e.g. we are unable to bring our own toys and resources
- Please speak directly to your therapist about whether this would be a suitable option for you.
Online/ telephone sessions:
All Emerge practitioners are now able to offer online or telephone services. For all disciplines there are a range of evidenced based approaches for delivery via an online platform and will ensure your child can maintain a sense of routine and normalcy in these changing times. Zoom is the platform being adopted at Emerge as it meets all Australian Security Standards for use in this capacity and is very easy to use.
What you will need for Zoom telehealth appointments:
A computer (or tablet or mobile phone) with a broadband internet connection.
Speakers and a microphone – computers, tablets, and mobile phones generally have these already built in.
A webcam. Most computers, tablets, and mobile phones have these built in. Otherwise, this is a small camera that connects to your computer through a USB port, if it isn't already built into your screen.
Zoom Appointments
Zoom is a free web-based video conferencing tool that allows users to meet online (with or without video). Please download the Zoom application https://zoom.us/support/download to your device before the time of your appointment (see instructions below).
How do I join a Zoom meeting?
We will send you an email or text message which will contain a Zoom link
Click on the Zoom link prior to your appointment time. It will direct you to download the Zoom application (free of charge)
Once you have downloaded the Zoom application, at the time of your meeting/appointment click on the Zoom link again to join the meeting.
You're in!
If over the coming week you would like some additional assistance please contact Emerge and we can talk you through the set up over the phone or bring your device to your next appointment and your therapist can set up for you.
Please contact as soon as possible if you would like to change the location of your appointment to admin@emergealliedhealth.com or call 03 6709 8270. We would like to take the opportunity to thankyou all for your understanding and support and looking forward to adapting to a new world of service delivery with you by our side.
We can do this!!