Alert Level 3 guideline changes for allied health professionals

The flowchart information we communicated last week has also been modified and now applies to all regions at Alert Level 3 i.e. not when we move to Alert Level 3 step 2. Therefore is applicable right now. Click here for the Guidance for Allied Health Practitioners in non-DHB settings.

Remember, seeing patients should be based on risk and that you will be required to use appropriate clinical reasoning when deciding if you need to see the patient. Telehealth and virtual appointments are still the preferred option. If that is not possible, then is it:

1. A treatment that cannot be delayed or carried out remotely without risk of significant harm or permanent and/or significant disability
2. Where failure to access services will lead to an acute deterioration of a known condition
3. Where delay in access to services will impact the consumer’s ability to maintain functional independence and significantly negatively impact quality of life

If you then proceed to see the patient, you must have:

1. Staff being fully vaccinated
2. Understanding the ventilation capabilities of the environment they would be operating in e.g. maximise natural ventilation- can you allow in fresh or pumped-in air?
3. Ensure health practitioners have a high level of competence around IPC requirements, including use of personal protective equipment. Further information can be found click here

Risk assessment advice is found at the bottom of the flowchart click here

The Board wants to emphasise that it is your responsibility as a practitioner to ensure you are undertaking all practicable steps to mitigate the risk of becoming a transmission vector for Covid-19. If an appointment can be deferred to a lower level, then you should do so. Commercial gain should not influence your decision making.

With these changes effective immediately we envisage the access to healthcare for those who need the healthcare is now permissible as long as you follow the protocols outlined.

Remember, these changes and protocols are for now. When we move to either a lower level or a new alert system (such as a traffic light model) we will communicate the guidelines accordingly.

Noho ora mai / stay well

Jayesh Chouhan, Board Chair