COVID-19 UPDATE
UPDATE 24.01.2022
We are pleased to advise that our FREE Patient Transport services will re-commence on Monday the 14th February 2022. Strict COVID Protocols will apply.
Please note Bookings will only be taken from Monday the 1st February 2022 by contacting the Foundation on 1300 747 763 and will be subject to availability.
Thank you and keep safe.
Vincent Del Zio – CEO
UPDATE 11.01.2022
Unfortunately due to the on-going Covid – Omicron variant crisis and the ever increasing Infectious, Hospitalisation & ICU numbers the Foundation has made the difficult decision to once again suspend its FREE Patient Transport Services until the 31st January 2022. No bookings will be taken until further notice.
As we have constantly and consistently maintained the health and safety of our Volunteers and Patients has been and continues to be our No 1 priority.
Thank you and keep safe.
Vincent Del Zio – CEO
UPDATE 28.08.2021
The NSW Government today announced that the Lockdown in Greater Sydney is to be extended until the end of September 2021. Further restrictions like curfews in Hotspots as well as the compulsory wearing of masks at all times outdoors (unless exercising) is also to come into force. Please go to the NSW Health website www.health.nsw.gov.au for further information.
Therefore in view of the decision to extend the Lockdown the Foundation has unfortunately no option but to continue to suspend its FREE medical Transport service until the very least the end of September 2021. No bookings will be accepted or taken until further notice.
In the meantime the Foundation has made a decision that all Volunteers & Clients must be fully vaccinated if they are to Drive or use our services in the future. With this in mind and with the recent announcement of the extension of the Lockdown the Foundation will use this time to ensure all Volunteers are fully vaccinated & compliant in readiness for a hopeful start in October 2021.
Thank you and keep safe.
Vincent Del Zio – CEO
UPDATE 28.07.2021
The NSW Government on the back of the Health advice has determined that the Lockdown in Greater Sydney is to continue until the 28th August 2021.
Also a further three (3) LGA have been included in the List of Hotspots. Along with the current hotspots Cumberland , Blacktown, Liverpool, Fairfield & Canterbury Bankstown, LGA’s of Parramatta, Georges River and Campbelltown have also now been added.
The Foundation therefore regretfully has no option but to continue its suspension of its FREE Medical Transport Service until at least the 28th August 2021.
We understand that this decision will affect many peoples ability to attend medical appointments however the current outbreak of the Delta strain is extremely infectious and the Foundation as a duty of care to ensure that the Health and Safety of all our Volunteers and Clients continues to be our No 1 priority.
Please continue to visit this website for further updates.
Thank you and keep safe.
Vincent Del Zio – CEO
UPDATE 08.07.2021
SUSPENSION OF FREE MEDICAL TRANSPORT SERVICE EXTENDED TO 19TH JULY 2021
In view of the on-going COVID-19 outbreak in Greater Sydney and the recent announcement by the NSW Government to extend the Lockdown for a further week the Foundation has no option but to continue its suspension of services until Monday the 19th July 2021.
Whilst unfortunate the decision made is necessary in order to protect the Health and wellbeing of all Volunteers and Clients until the situation is under control and deemed safe to re-continue.
Booking times will only be available from Monday the 19th July 2021 onwards.
Please continue to visit this website for further updates.
Thank you and keep safe.
Vincent Del Zio – CEO
UPDATE 24.06.2021
FREE PATIENT TRANSPORT SERVICE SUSPENDED
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak the Foundations FREE patient Transport service has unfortunately been suspended from Friday the 25th June until Monday the 12th July 2021. No bookings will be taken during this period.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused but the Health & Safety of both our Volunteers and Clients continues to be our No 1 priority.
Further updates will be provided over the next few weeks.
UPDATE 21.06.2021
The Foundation continues to provide its FREE service with strict Protocols re-introduced after the recent outbreak in the Eastern Suburbs.
These Protocols include.
– The mandatory wearing of masks by both Volunteer Drivers and Clients.
– The checking of Client temperatures before entering the vehicle.
– Clients to sit in the back-passenger seat.
– No sharing of Vehicle by Clients with other 3rd parties.
– All cars to be wiped down and sanitised after each trip.
The Foundation will continue to monitor the situation with both the Clients and Volunteers health and safety of the highest importance and paramount in any future decision regarding the service.
Please note that the Foundation has the right to suspend this service at any time.
UPDATE 05.01.2021
Although there has been another outbreak and escalation of COVID-19 cases around Greater Sydney the Foundation at this stage will continue to provide its FREE Patient Transport service to those eligible in our community.
For the protection of Patients and Volunteers Strict COVID-19 Protocols will continue to apply and will be strictly enforced and adhered to until further notice. Please click here to review the current COVID-19 Protocols for your information.
Please note however that due to the unpredictable and volatile nature of the Pandemic that the Service may be unfortunately suspended or limited to certain areas and locations at any time without notice.
Please ensure you visit this website for further updated information. Thank you and Keep safe.
UPDATE 20.08.2020
The Foundation has now been operating its FREE Patient Transport service since the 15th June 2020 with a full service available from the 27th July 2020. Even though the situation is still quite fluid the Foundation is determined to help as many people as possible through this uncertain & difficult period. Importantly to ensure the safety and welfare of everyone concerned strict COVID-19 Protocols have been implemented. Click here for further information.
It is imperative that we ask that all Clients and Volunteers abide by the Protocols in order for the service to continue and not be shut down again. The Foundation will reluctantly refuse Transportation to anyone who won’t conform to the Protocols as set out by the Foundation especially the wearing of masks and temperature controls before entry a vehicle which are compulsory.
Since the recommencement of the service we have made 797 Free Trips and in view of those numbers I would like to thank the unselfish and dedicated work of all our Volunteers since our return in ensuring not only are we able to help those people most in need but also make sure this FREE & unique service is able to continue in what are still very challenging and difficult times.
UPDATE 24.07.2020
The Foundation re-commenced its FREE Transport service on the 15th June 2020 with limited services available. We are now in a position to advise that all services including visits to Local GP’s Specialist , rehabilitation and Physio facilities are now available for all existing and new clients. Strict COVID-19 Protocols, click here
UPDATE 29.06.2020
The Foundation re-commenced its FREE Transport service on the 15th June 2020 with limited services available. We are now in a position to advise that all services including visits to Local GP’s Specialist , rehabilitation and Physio facilities are now available also.
Trips are still only available for current clients with new clients accepted and accessed as of the 13th July 2020.
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone for their support, understanding and patience during this difficult time and whilst we are still officially in a pandemic and need to be careful we hope to continue to provide the service without any further interruptions.
As I have always mentioned the health & safety of all our Volunteers & Patients will continue to be our No 1 Priority and any changes by Federal & State Governments to COVID -19 Protocols & restrictions will be strictly adhered to.
UPDATE 19.06.2020
The Foundations Patient Transport Service re-commenced on Monday the 15th June 2020 after a forced suspension 3 months ago due to the Coronavirus.
Strict COVID-19 Protocols apply including the taking of Client Temperature’s and the wearing of masks.
Whilst initially all Trips were confined to Hospital Visits and Cancer Treatments I am pleased to advise that of Monday the 22nd of June 2020 all bookings for all services including rehab, specialists and Local GP appointments will once again be taken for appointments beginning the 29th June 2020. However this will only be for current clients with new client referrals not available until the 13th July 2020. Refer website for the completion of online Referral forms.
Please note office hours for bookings are Monday- Wednesday & Friday from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm. NO bookings will be taken outside of those days or hours.
The Foundations is pleased and excited to re-commence its unique FREE Patient Transport service bearing in the mind the importance of maintaining and adhering to the strict COVID-19 protocols implemented as we continue to navigate through the uncertainty of this worldwide pandemic.
Please note the above timetable is subject to change depending on advice from the Health authorities and any changes to COVID -19 isolation restrictions by the Federal & NSW State Governments.
UPDATE 25.05.2020
I am pleased to advise that after the recent announcements by the Federal & NSW State Governments on the easing of COVID-19 restrictions the Foundation is now in a position to provide the following information and timetable on the recommencement of its FREE Patient Transport service.
STAGE 1
– 1st June 2020 – Bookings to be received and taken.
– Ph.: 1300 747 763 – (10.00am – 3.00pm – Monday, Wednesday & Friday only)
– Current Registered clients only.
– Hospital & Cancer Treatment visits only
– 15th June 2020 – FREE Patient Transport service to officially begin
STAGE 2
– 1st of July 2020 – New Client applications available on website.
– Ph.: 1300 747 763 – (10.00am – 3.00pm Monday to Friday)
– All Current & New Clients
– Including to Non-hospital GP’s, Specialist , Rehab/Physio & visits to Community Health centres
– 13th July 2020 – Full FREE Transport service to recommence
I would like to once again thank all our Clients for your patience & understanding during this difficult period but as mentioned a number of times previously the well-being and safety of everyone concerned in particular our Volunteers was and continues to be our No 1 priority.
Please note the above timetable is subject to change depending on advice from the Health authorities and any changes to COVID -19 isolation restrictions by the Federal & NSW State Governments.
UPDATE 08.05.2020
The Federal Government today announced a Roadmap to a COVIDSAFE Australia.
It is in the form of a 3 step approach with each new step being reviewed every 3 weeks.
Step 1 as the following:
– Up to 5 Visitors to your home.
– Gatherings of up to 10 people outside of your home.
– Work from home if possible encouraged.
– Libraries, Community Centres, playgrounds and boot camps to open.
Australians can do more:
– Shopping
– Restaurants & Cafes
– Local and regional travel
The Foundation continues to monitor the announcements made by the Government and Health Regulators and hopes to be in a position to re-open its FREE Patient Transport service in the early weeks of June albeit in a reduced capacity.
The Foundation however will continue to take a more conservative & compassionate approach especially in regards to the safety of our elderly who represent the majority of our Volunteers and clients. They continue to be advised that they should stay home where possible.
Please continue to refer to the website for further updates.
Nevertheless as always please do not hesitate to contact me on the details below if you have any questions or wish to discuss further.
Vincent DelZio
Chief Executive Officer
Ph: 02 8765 8661
M: 0411 644 530
UPDATE 01.05.2020
The Foundation FREE transport service continues to remain suspended until further notice.
Today the Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the National Cabinet has decided to bring forward its consideration of the easing of restrictions to next Friday the 8th May 2020. Whilst this is a positive step the details of what restrictions will or will not be lifted will be crucial to the Foundations decision to when it can re-commence its service once again.
As mentioned previously the health of our Volunteers and Clients are our No 1 priority and whatever decision is made will be made with their safety paramount in our minds and because of the type of service we provide more on the cautious and conservative side. Nevertheless our existing clients will be the first to know.
In the meantime the Foundation is continuing its great work in the community with its Buddy Program with over 500 calls made to clients over the past 4 weeks culminating in the donation of Woolworths Basic grocery boxes to those in most need.
A further update will be provided in the following weeks. Please keep safe.
UPDATE 16.04.2020
The Sir Roden & Lady Cutler Foundation continues to navigate through the Coronavirus crisis as best as possible with Government Health protocols continuing to be strictly adhered to with the Foundations fleet of Vehicles still unfortunately grounded during this unprecedented pandemic.
In the meantime the Foundation continues to be active within the community and as introduced the “Buddy Program” initiative where our participating Volunteers contact people who are isolated, alone and without support each week offering a friendly voice and to see how they are and whether they have any specific needs such as Groceries shopping and/or Medical supplies. Over 170 grateful people were contacted last week. Please see below some great feedback about the program from those people contacted.
Feedback (Buddy Program)
“Larna was very happy to hear from the Foundation. She would appreciate regular weekly contact. On Thursday 2nd April, I did some grocery and household goods shopping for Larna, in and around the Leichhardt / Drummoyne area”
“Michelle was very appreciative of the call. Most of her relatives are situated in Europe. Her main issues involve grocery supplies, consultations with her doctor and laundry services. She would appreciate regular weekly contact”
“She is living by herself but the son is visiting once or twice a week. She was running low on food but was taking the Community bus to Strathfield plaza. She was over the moon that we thought of her and thanked us. I left her my phone number just in case her son is not available”
“Has very low immune system so had to cancel disability workers that come to her. Emergency contact is her daughter. For now, okay re groceries, medical etc. happy to receive call and for me to keep in touch, but has difficulty talking as she also has respiratory problems. I’ll be keeping a close eye on Anna, and calling every few days”
“Tina called after visiting the doctor & shops. She has no family or friends to help her. Her carer went home to China & is unable to return because of Australia’s ban of all foreigners. She has an injection weekly and has Warwick or Kim able to take her to doctors & shops. In case of an emergency she will call 000. She would like weekly call in the morning on Wednesday or Fridays”
The Foundation will continue to monitor Government Health restrictions with a view of introducing the FREE Patient Transport program as soon as possible but in the meantime please be free to contact me personally on 1300 747 763 or by email vdelzio@sirroden.org.au if you have any questions.
Kind regards & please keep safe.
UPDATE 09.03.2020
The Sir Roden & Lady Cutler Foundation has been closely monitoring guidance issued from the Australian Government Department of Health and other local health authorities. The spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a rapidly developing situation, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.
As you are aware, the Federal and State Governments are preparing for the spread of the Coronavirus amongst the general Australian population. The commitment of the $15billion as an economic stimulus package and $2.4 billion in additional medical services gives clear insight into the advice government is receiving about the likely spread of the virus in Australia and internationally and its impact on the economy and the health of Australians.
The Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, says up to 1.6million could be hit by the first wave of a state-wide coronavirus outbreak, which could last up to 22 weeks.
For this reason, the Board of the foundation and I have discussed how these developments may impact on the foundations ‘Patient Transport Service’ in coming months, and our responsibility to protect the welfare of staff, volunteers and clients.
We are therefore announcing today that the Foundations ‘Patient Transport Service’ has been reluctantly suspended until further notice. This is a tough decision however we must face the reality of the situation and we must act now.
First and Foremost, our staff, volunteers and client’s health and welfare are the most important in this rapidly changing situation. We will continue to provide regular updates on any changes on our website.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to contact me on the following details
Vincent Del Zio
Chief Executive Officer
vdelzio@sirroden.org.au
Ph: 02 8765 8661
M: 0411 644 530