New GoCo Doctors Run

GoCo has listened to the Gunnedah community and responded to the shortage of doctor’s appointments with a new regular and affordable transport service – the GoCo Doctors Run.

GoCo has partnered with North West Health in Tamworth and Ochre Medical Centre in Boggabri to reserve set GoCo client appointments on regular days of the week.

‘This initiative came about with our team listening to our clients, the community and even experiencing the challenges to see doctors locally themselves,’ GoCo Executive Manager, Bruce Mercer said.

‘It was clear that there is a need to help people attend these appointments until Gunnedah can attract more doctors,’ Mr Mercer said.

The GoCo Doctors Run involves collecting clients from their homes with the GoCo Bus, transporting them to their ‘GoCo reserved’ appointment, which is bunched with other GoCo appointments to reduce wait times.

Clients are then returned to their homes.

All reserved appointments are available in the mid morning to minimise the time clients spend away from home.

‘Our transport services are possible thanks to a dedicated team of GoCo Volunteers who give up their time to drive clients to Tamworth and Boggabri,’ Mr Mercer said.

‘We’ll also need to attract more volunteer drivers and carers to accompany clients on the Doctors Run, so we implore community members who are willing and able to put up their hand to become a GoCo volunteer.’

Clients will book their doctors appointment directly with North West Health at East Tamworth Medical Centre or Ochre Medical Centre in Boggabri on the designated using a special GoCo reference.

Clients will then contact GoCo to book their seat on the Doctors Run.

The GoCo Doctors Run is for new and existing GoCo clients and is available for both community members and older people eligible through My Aged Care.

All Doctors Run trips incur a contribution to the cost in the form of fees outlined in GoCo’s fee schedule.

Bookings can be made now for appointments commencing in March 2021.

How can I book?

If you are a current GoCo Client:

Call GoCo to book your seat and find out how to book your ‘GoCo Client’ medical appointment.

If you are not a GoCo Client:

Contact us to find out how to join 02 6740 2240.

Tamworth

North West Health – East Tamworth Medical Centre 02 6768 3222

  • Monday mornings
  • Wednesday mornings
  • Fridays mornings

Boggabri

Ochre Medical Centre – 1 Wee Waa St 02 6749 7097

  • Every second Tuesday morning

Call for Expression of Interest – Clinical Governance Committee Members

Gunnedah Shire Council seeks suitably qualified clinical governance specialists to oversight and advise Councillors as part of a Clinical Governance Committee for its community care business enterprise, GoCo.

GoCo and Gunnedah Shire Council seeks expressions of interest for the following positions:

Clinical Governance Specialist

Expression of Interest

Position Description

Clinical Specialist

Expression of Interest

Position Description

See the Clinical Governance Committee Information Pack for more details on GoCo and the Clinical Governance Committee or you may contact GoCo Quality and Systems Leader, Jasmin Bird on 02 6740 2240.

Expressions of Interest addressing the detailed qualifications and competencies in the above Expression of Interest should be directed to the General Manager, Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah or to [email protected] by close of business on Wednesday 17th March 2021.

New Tamworth Social Calendar of Activities

GoCo is excited to announce the commencement of social groups in Tamworth in March 2021.

We have are thrilled to invite you to express your interest in the following programs and to spread the word to your family and friends who may enjoy a bit of regular social fun. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your copy of our Tamworth Social Calendar.

Meals with Friends

On the third Thursday each month, Meals with Friends is an opportunity to relax and chat while enjoying a social luncheon at one of the wonderful venues we have here in Tamworth or out of town, when COVID-19 rules permit. All GoCo clients receive a main meal, dessert and drink at a subsidised rate.

The first Meals with Friends is on Thursday 18 March 2021 at 12pm at the Riviera Bar and Grill at the Best Western Sanctuary Inn. Contact us to attend.

Dementia Café

On the second Wednesday of the month, people living with Dementia and their carers can meet at a Café and enjoy the company of people who are experiencing what they are. It is a great way to share stories, information and have some time out.

Dementia Café will be held on Wednesday 10  March 2021 at 10am at Inspirations Café, Tamworth. Contact us to attend.

Strength and Balance Exercise Classes

We are taking expressions of interest to firm up numbers and preferred days and times for new classes in Tamworth. Classes are offered at a subsidised rate. Contact us  today to register your name.

Tech Savvy Seniors Classes

Tech Savvy Seniors is a partnership with Central Northern Libraries to deliver technology lessons to GoCo clients. The 10 Week course will run on Tuesdays at the Tamworth Community Centre from  6 April – 8 June 2021. Clients receive free Samsung Tablet. Contact us to register your attendance.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

All social activities must be booked in advance and have limited numbers. Book your place today.

GoCo Surveys – Have your say

GoCo invites our clients and volunteers to complete our surveys to have your say.

We’d love your feedback! Your thoughts help us to understand where we can improve and understand whether our services and supports measured up to your expectations.

The year 2020 has been unlike any other. Although, disruption occurred to a number of our services this year due to COVID-19, GoCo is committed to being agile and adapting our approach to suit requirements as well as your own individual needs and preferences.

Please be candid, your answers are CONFIDENTIAL.

Complete the relevant survey below:

CHSP Client Survey

HCP Client Survey

Relative and Representative Survey

Volunteer Survey

Paper Surveys: Paper surveys are available from GoCo offices or you can request them over the phone to be posted. When you complete the form, please drop it into the collection box at the reception desk of any GoCo office, or post it back in the envelope provided. We will not see your individual return (unless you want us to).

The results will be reported to our management team and will help us make improvements to our services. The report will not allow your answers to be identified from those of others.  So please say what you think.

If you have any questions about this survey, please ring Jasmin on 0437 078 908. 

Please return this survey before Friday 18th December 2020.

Fit, strong and fun – Nundle Exercise Classes are back

Nundle local, Trish Leonard dearly missed her GoCo weekly exercise classes during the COVID-19 lock down, for both social and physical reasons.

‘It gets us up and going and keeps us fit and strong,’ said Mrs Leonard of the Tuesday strength and balance for older people in the Nundle community, coordinated by GoCo.

Having attended the hour long sessions each week at Nundle’s Sport and Recreation Club since they began in August 2019, Mrs Leonard says it has made a huge difference to her strength and fitness.

‘The classes are really focused on our posture and strength. It’s just great for us oldies,’ Mrs Leonard said.

The hugely popular classes recommenced in Nundle this month.

Personal Trainer and Health Coach, Andrew Ryan from Kootingal Gym delivers the class on behalf of GoCo and says that some of the results have been truly amazing.

‘Some of the clients really take in everything they can and apply it to their lives. I’ve noticed people with healthier looking skin, eyes and hair, improved posture and increased confidence in addition to better fitness and strength, Mr Ryan said.

GoCo specialises in aged care services across the north west and coordinates the classes in Nundle as part of it’s Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) social groups.

GoCo CHSP Coordinator, Rachel Palmer said the classes have been very popular among GoCo’s older client group.

‘We’ve had an outstanding response to the classes in Nundle and some great feedback,’ Mrs Palmer said.

‘The idea for exercise classes in Nundle came when I identified that our group of clients were really quite fit and active,’ she said.

GoCo’s Nundle clients are very community minded and were looking for more things for their town rather than travelling into Tamworth.

‘We were overwhelmed with interest and have a waiting list for a second class,’ Mrs Palmer said.

Trainer, Mr Ryan says he thoroughly enjoys working with the seniors group.

It is challenging as everyone has very different needs, but I find it very fulfilling,’ Mr Ryan said.

‘My main focus is strengthening posture and joints, improving flexibility and mobility and helping them to maintain their overall independence,’ he said.

Participant, Mrs Leonard says despite the group setting, Andrew gives a very personal experience. ‘He is interested in us as individuals and gives us alternative exercises if we need it,’ she said.

COVID-19 restrictions and the vulnerable older age group meant GoCo had to put weekly classes on hold for a few months, but recommenced with strict rules in place in August 2020.

GoCo’s strength and balance exercise classes aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and social interaction. The program is designed to reduce your risk of falls, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and dementia.

Participants needs to be registered through My Aged Care to be eligible to attend the groups. See our Events Calendar for times. Contact GoCo for more information.

COVID-19 Guidelines Update

GoCo continues to review health advice regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The following guidelines are in place in the interest of public safety and the wellbeing of GoCo’s clients, volunteers, stakeholders and team of staff.

GoCo will:

  • Open offices to the public (Gunnedah, Tamworth, Kootingal, Barraba, Nundle and Narrabri) with COVID-19 safety requirements including 1. Stay home if you are unwell (travelled overseas, to Melbourne, Victoria or to any COVID-19 Hotspots outlined by the Department of Health in the last 14 days), 2. Sign in with temperature taken (below 37.5 degrees), 3. Sanitise your hands, 4. Social distance – 1.5m apart.
  • Recommence some Social Group Activities with modified formats from July 2020 to reflect public health and COVID-19 advice from Government. Group activities and locations will recommence on a case by case basis with regard to numbers, venues and level of risk.
  • Continue home visits for reviews, assessments and to facilitate continuity of care. Phone contact in advance with clients to make sure the staff member and client, including members of their household or recent visitors, are well and not displaying any flu like, or respiratory illness symptoms or have travelled to Victoria or overseas in the last 14 days.
  • Contact the client the same day that the visit is due and ask the following questions:

Do you or has anyone in your home:

  • Runny nose
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Respiratory illness symptoms or fatigue that are not associated with an ongoing chronic condition.
  • Travelled overseas, to Melbourne, Victoria or to any COVID-19 Hotspots outlined by the Department of Health n the last 14 days

If client answers yes to any of the above, the visit will not go ahead, and arrangements are to be made to have the client tested for Covid-19.

  • Continue to conduct and address concerns through means other than face-to-face contact, where possible.
  • Ensure adequate cleaning/sanitisation of the workplace, including wiping/sanitising of all surfaces in offices including desks, keyboards/eftpos machines, handrails, door handles, toilets, kitchen and sink areas. This includes GoCo vehicles after client and volunteer use.
  • Limit the number of clients in transport vehicles to maintain social distance requirements and strongly encourage drivers and passengers to wear masks, as per Transport for NSW recommendations.
  • Display health warning information in all offices and bathrooms to ensure hand washing procedures are followed adequately by all staff and volunteers
  • Provide hand hygiene and infection control equipment in all GoCo offices, bathrooms and vehicles.
  • Ensure volunteers delivering GoCo services such as meals, providing transport or social support are required to wash their hands upon entry into the office, before leaving the GoCo office and after each client visit
  • Make every attempt to prioritise essential services for vulnerable clients who require additional support, including personal care, nursing, medication and meals.
  • Continue to perform wellbeing phone calls, where possible, to check in with vulnerable clients if they are safe and well.
  • Continue social distancing for staff to combine working from home and working in GoCo offices, where appropriate.
  • Prioritise essential staff to continue the delivery of GoCo essential services
  • Encourage delivery of a number of meals to Meals on Wheels clients (frozen) to limit the number of visits to the same home
  • Provide open disclosure to volunteers and staff regarding notification of coronavirus or self-isolation regarding client services.
  • Determine the most appropriate volunteer or staff to deliver services to clients and ensure they are comfortable to do so
  • Provide up to date information and updates on our website and directly to clients and other stakeholders in a timely manner

GoCo asks you to do the following:

  • Stay home if you have travelled overseas, to Melbourne, Victoria or to any COVID-19 Hotspots outlined by the Department of Health n the last 14 days
  • Inform GoCo staff if you, anyone in your household or recent visitors are displaying flu like or respiratory symptoms. This will be noted and staff will follow up accordingly.
  • Sign in to GoCo offices upon entry including temperature taken < 37.5 degrees.
  • Maintain social distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and GoCo staff or partners when inside your home.
  • Refrain from making physical contact with GoCo staff and partners, where possible.
  • All staff, volunteers, clients and broker partners to notify GoCo if they may be at risk of COVID-19 (visited countries that are identified at risk or have travelled to Melbourne, Victoria since 23 June 2020 or, been in contact with someone who is at risk etc.) and to self isolate for a minimum of 14 days
  • Staff and volunteers delivering all GoCo services such as meals, providing transport or social support are required to wash their hands upon entry into the office, before leaving the GoCo office and after each client visit
  • If you are at risk or have health concerns and would prefer to be left off the volunteer roster, please let us know as soon as possible

Additional requirements for Meals on Wheels Volunteers:

  • Where possible, ensure the meals are delivered to an agreed safe place where the client can see the meal and contact is restricted/minimised with the client. If possible do not enter the home.
  • After delivery is made, knock on the door and call out to the client or contact client via phone after a delivery has been made to ensure they have received the meal

Additional requirements for Transport Volunteers:

Provided by Transport for NSW

  • Drivers and passengers are strongly advised to wear masks as social distancing is difficult
  • Wash hands often with soap and water;
  • The use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser is advised between hand washes and after opening and closing doors, moving luggage, exchanging payment and after personal contact;
  • Drivers should employ standard cleaning practices at the end of each shift, as part of good hygiene practice by wiping down surfaces with disinfectant;
  • In the event of a passenger spreading droplets (such as sneezing, coughing or vomiting), clean surfaces with appropriate disinfectant wipes so that the potential spread of infection can be minimised;
  • For cash payments it is advised to wash hands or use hand sanitiser to limit the spread of viruses;

GoCo asks its community to take precautions with your health and the health of loved ones by following these guidelines from the www.health.nsw.gov.au website:

  • clean your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
  • cover your sneeze or cough with your elbow or with tissue.
  • avoid close contact with people who are ill
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • stay home if you are sick.

To find out more, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au

GoCo is committed to protecting its community and will continue to update these guidelines as the situation evolves and advice from authorities changes.

GoCo Fees and Charges 20/21 Public Exhibition

The 2020/21 GoCo Fees and Charges have been amended and officially placed on public exhibition and GoCo will receive submissions in relation to the documents up until 5:00pm Thursday 20 August 2020.

This is an opportunity for members of the public to lodge submissions in relation to the amended fees and charges and following closure of the exhibition period, any submissions will be considered by GoCo. Alternatively, if there are no submissions, the amended Fees and Charges will be adopted for the 2020/21 financial year.

Should you have any enquiries, please contact GoCo on 02 6740 2240 or email [email protected]

Eric Groth

GENERAL MANAGER

COVID-19 Update – GoCo Guidelines

GoCo’s updated COVID-19 guidelines are in line with continued health advice, in place in the interest of public safety and the wellbeing of GoCo’s clients, volunteers, stakeholders and team of staff.

GoCo will:

  • Open offices to the public (Gunnedah, Tamworth, Kootingal, Barraba, Nundle and Narrabri) with COVID-19 safety requirements including 1. Stay home if you are unwell (travelled to Melbourne, Victoria in the last 14 days or have visited a COVID-19 Hotspot), 2. Sign in, 3. Sanitise your hands, 4. Social distance – 1.5m apart.
  • Recommence some Social Group Activities with modified formats from July 2020 to reflect public health and COVID-19 advice from Government. Group activities and locations will recommence on a case by case basis with regard to numbers, venues and level of risk.
  • Continue home visits for reviews, assessments and to facilitate continuity of care. Phone contact in advance with clients to make sure the staff member and client, including members of their household, are well and not displaying any flu like, or respiratory illness symptoms or have travelled to Victoria or overseas in the last 14 days.
  • Contact the client the same day that the visit is due and ask the following questions:

Do you or anyone in your home have:

  • Runny nose
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Respiratory illness symptoms or fatigue that are not associated with an ongoing chronic condition.
  • Travelled to Melbourne, Victoria in the last 14 days or have visited a COVID-19 Hotspot

If client answers yes to any of the above, the visit will not go ahead.

  • Continue to conduct and address concerns through means other than face-to-face contact, where possible.
  • Ensure adequate cleaning/sanitisation of the workplace, including wiping/sanitising of all surfaces in offices including desks, keyboards/eftpos machines, handrails, door handles, toilets, kitchen and sink areas. This includes GoCo vehicles after client and volunteer use.
  • Limit the number of clients in transport vehicles to maintain social distance requirements
  • Display health warning information in all offices and bathrooms to ensure hand washing procedures are followed adequately by all staff and volunteers
  • Provide hand hygiene and infection control equipment in all GoCo offices, bathrooms and vehicles.
  • Ensure volunteers delivering GoCo services such as meals, providing transport or social support are required to wash their hands upon entry into the office, before leaving the GoCo office and after each client visit
  • Make every attempt to prioritise essential services for vulnerable clients who require additional support, including personal care, nursing, medication and meals.
  • Continue to perform wellbeing phone calls, where possible, to check in with vulnerable clients if they are safe and well.
  • Continue social distancing for staff to combine working from home and working in GoCo offices, where appropriate.
  • Prioritise essential staff to continue the delivery of GoCo essential services
  • Encourage delivery of a number of meals to Meals on Wheels clients (frozen) to limit the number of visits to the same home
  • Provide open disclosure to volunteers and staff regarding notification of coronavirus or self-isolation regarding client services.
  • Determine the most appropriate volunteer or staff to deliver services to clients and ensure they are comfortable to do so
  • Provide up to date information and updates on our website and directly to clients and other stakeholders in a timely manner

GoCo asks you to do the following:

  • Stay home if you have travelled to Melbourne, Victoria in the last 14 days or have visited a COVID-19 Hotspot, in accordance with public health orders.
  • Inform GoCo staff if you or anyone in your household is displaying flu like or respiratory symptoms. This will be noted and staff will follow up accordingly.
  • Sign in to GoCo offices upon entry.
  • Maintain social distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and GoCo staff or partners when inside your home.
  • Refrain from making physical contact with GoCo staff and partners, where possible.
  • All staff, volunteers, clients and broker partners to notify GoCo if they may be at risk of COVID-19 (visited countries that are identified at risk or have travelled to Melbourne, Victoria since 23 June 2020 or, been in contact with someone who is at risk etc.) and to self isolate for a minimum of 14 days
  • Staff and volunteers delivering all GoCo services such as meals, providing transport or social support are required to wash their hands upon entry into the office, before leaving the GoCo office and after each client visit
  • If you are at risk or have health concerns and would prefer to be left off the volunteer roster, please let us know as soon as possible

Additional requirements for Meals on Wheels Volunteers:

  • Where possible, ensure the meals are delivered to an agreed safe place where the client can see the meal and contact is restricted/minimised with the client. If possible do not enter the home.
  • After delivery is made, knock on the door and call out to the client or contact client via phone after a delivery has been made to ensure they have received the meal

Additional requirements for Transport Volunteers:

Provided by Transport for NSW

  • Drivers do not need to wear a mask if you are healthy;
  • Wash hands often with soap and water;
  • The use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser is advised between hand washes and after opening and closing doors, moving luggage, exchanging payment and after personal contact;
  • Drivers should employ standard cleaning practices at the end of each shift, as part of good hygiene practice by wiping down surfaces with disinfectant;
  • In the event of a passenger spreading droplets (such as sneezing, coughing or vomiting), clean surfaces with appropriate disinfectant wipes so that the potential spread of infection can be minimised;
  • For cash payments it is advised to wash hands or use hand sanitiser to limit the spread of viruses;

GoCo asks its community to take precautions with your health and the health of loved ones by following these guidelines from the www.health.nsw.gov.au website:

  • clean your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
  • cover your sneeze or cough with your elbow or with tissue.
  • avoid close contact with people who are ill
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • stay home if you are sick.

To find out more, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au

GoCo is committed to protecting its community and will continue to update these guidelines as the situation evolves and advice from authorities changes.