Businesses regarded as an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic face their own unique set of challenges.
They are tasked with providing the same level of care and service whilst evolving to the current situation and ensuring the safety of their clients, customers and staff.
Newcastle rehab clinic, Beyond Boundaries Rehab, is amongst the Hunter region-based businesses that have innovated to meet local demand during this unprecedented time and have continued to experience growth.
The business recently expanded its multidisciplinary team of rehab specialists and has opened a new clinic in Adamstown to provide for growing demand and complement their established Maitland clinic.
Director of Beyond Boundaries Rehab and experienced Occupational Therapist, Carly Stewart, said there has been a rising demand for the rehab and support services they provide to people with disability locally, both pre and post the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We’ve really had to be on the front-foot when it comes to expanding our team of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, social workers, allied health assistants, paediatric rehabilitation specialists and adult rehabilitation experts to meet demand,” Carly said.
“Our service is considered by the Government to be essential, and we’re really thankful for that and are taking our role in continuing to provide the same level of support during the lockdown very seriously.”
Beyond Boundaries Rehab has continued to provide face-to-face appointments through their private clinic setting in Adamstown and Maitland where needed, but the team have also refined their service delivery options to meet changing conditions and client needs.
“Our mission is to empower people to live life without limits. So, we’ve been able to live out our own motto by removing barriers and revamping the way we offer our service so we can provide for our clients’ needs whilst ensuring their and our staff members safety during this challenging time.
“One of the ways we’ve done this is through making an early shift towards offering tele-appointments to our patients. Many of the people we provide support services to are vulnerable members of our community, so ensuring they still receive support but in a way that protects them during the coronavirus outbreak is absolutely vital.”
Carly said a lot of work has been done behind the scenes to implement the new tele-appointment approach, but the delivery has been seamless, and staff are well-resourced to provide the same level of service in this new way.
“We see the pandemic more as an opportunity to be flexible, adaptive and to find new ways in the face of adversity,” Carly said.
“We’re thrilled with the positive feedback and support we’ve received from our patients and staff over this time.
“I am absolutely blown away by how proactive our team have been. Their ability to be flexible and their motivation to drive the service forward has been inspiring. None of this would happen without them.”
Beyond Boundaries Rehab provides tailored rehab and support services to all people, from young children to adults.
Their multidisciplinary team offer a holistic approach that helps people with disability to live the life of their choice and to realise their goals by removing limitations.
IMAGE | Director of Beyond Boundaries Rehab and Occupational Therapist, Carly Stewart.
