An update from our CEO

Wednesday, 13 October 2021

In August 2021, following an outbreak of the Delta variant of COVID-19, New Zealand was transitioned to Alert Level 4 settings to limit the spread of the virus. With case numbers seemingly suppressed, most of the country has transitioned to Alert Level 2 settings since September 7, 2021. However, the Auckland region, certain parts of the Waikato region and Northland, remain in stricter Alert Level 3 settings, as the Delta variant stubbornly resists eradication in these areas.

 

Our Services in Alert Level 3

While Alert Level 3 disrupts our normal way of working in these areas, it does not mean our work at the Stroke Foundation has stopped. Our dedicated teams continue to provide services, supporting the people who need us most, especially at this time of uncertainty. Please be assured that the health and wellbeing of the individuals and whānau we work with, and our staff, are always our top priority.

We have become well versed in adapting our services to ensure that those who need us can easily access support. Under Level 3, our Community Stroke Advisors and Return to Work Advisors are unable to make home visits.

Instead, we are connecting with our clients over the telephone and through online meetings, to make sure we provide the support that is needed. If you would like support but have no calls or virtual meetings scheduled, please contact your Community Stroke Advisor or Return to Work Advisor via phone or email, so that one can be arranged.

If you need contact details of a Community Stroke Advisor or Return to Work Advisor near you, these can be found here: www.stroke.org.nz

If you’re a stroke survivor who hasn’t used our services before and need our help, please click on the same link above to reach out to us in your area.

Please remember that stroke is always a medical emergency. Even if you may be in Alert Level 3, you are not being a burden on the health system by calling 111 immediately and getting help.

 

Our Services in Alert Level 2

For the rest of the country in Alert Level 2, our Community Stroke Advisors and Return to Work Advisors can only conduct in-person visits if there are no other means that can be used appropriately (such as telephone or video). Following the Delta variant outbreak, the current Alert Level 2 setting is different to previous Level 2 rules, and so we have made important changes to how we provide our free services.

Due to the vulnerable nature of our clients and an abundance of caution, we will only be able to conduct an in-person home visit when everyone who is in that household has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. It is very important that we do everything we can to keep you, and those around us, safe.

Our team will be wearing face masks and maintaining a two-metre distance when meeting clients in person. If you are due to be visited but are displaying COVID-19 symptoms, then you need to let your Community Stroke Advisor or Return to Work Advisor know because the appointment must be rescheduled.

When it comes to stroke, the best way for us all to look out for each other is to remember the key signs of stroke and call 111 immediately at any sign of a stroke to ensure the best chance of recovery. Other useful information and support material can be found here: www.stroke.org.nz/affected-stroke

 

We continue to closely monitor the current COVID-19 situation and will provide further updates on this page as required. We are taking all steps necessary, as advised by the Government and Ministry of Health, to ensure the health and safety of our clients and our people.

Stay safe and please get in touch with us if you need support – we are always here to help.

 

Ngā mihi nui,

Jo Lambert

CEO, Stroke Foundation of New Zealand