Our Priority
At Down South Therapy (DST), the health, safety, and well-being of our clients and staff remain our highest priorities. Our comprehensive Disaster Management Policy ensures that we are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to a variety of emergencies, minimising service disruptions and maintaining the continuity of care that our clients rely on. Our plans adhere to best practices and regulatory requirements, aligning with NDIS standards to safeguard both people and services.
Types of Emergencies Addressed
Our Disaster Management Plans cover an array of potential scenarios, each with specific protocols to ensure safety and service continuity. These include:
- Office Fire: Our Office Fire Response Action Plan outlines immediate evacuation, fire control measures, and post-incident actions to resume services safely.
- Bomb Threat or Malicious Calls: In the event of such threats, our Bomb Threat Action Plan prioritises the safety of everyone present, with evacuation and notification procedures to resume operations promptly.
- School Lockdowns: For sessions held in schools, the School Lockdown Action Plan ensures that therapists follow school protocols and communicate session updates with clients and families.
- Bushfires and Floods: Our Bushfire and Flood Response Plans provide guidance for continuity of care even in evacuation situations, leveraging telehealth or alternative safe locations for client sessions.
- Pandemics: During pandemics, including COVID-19, the Pandemic Response Plan supports essential services through telehealth options and rigorous safety protocols, ensuring clients receive uninterrupted care.
Each of these scenarios has a dedicated response plan, accessible on this page, to provide in-depth details on our procedures.
Continuity of Care
At DST, we are committed to delivering consistent, quality care even during challenging times. Our Emergency and Disaster Management Business Continuity Plan outlines strategies for seamless transition between in-person and remote therapy, ensuring clients continue to receive essential services. Key measures include:
- Flexible Therapy Options: In the event of a service interruption, therapy sessions can be quickly shifted to telehealth, alternative locations, or rescheduled based on client needs.
- Cloud-Based Systems: Our client information and administrative resources are securely stored in the cloud, making them accessible remotely by staff, which helps avoid service delays due to office inaccessibility.
- Regular Communication: During an emergency, we keep clients and staff informed of any changes in service delivery or appointment schedules. Our communication plan ensures timely updates through phone, email, or other digital channels.
Staff Training and Preparedness
All DST staff receive regular training on emergency procedures to ensure that they can respond efficiently in any situation. This training includes emergency drills, telehealth protocols, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as applicable. We review and update our plans annually or following any emergency to stay prepared.