A Message from the CEO

Dear all,

I hope you and your families have kept safe and remained well over the last few months and to say we have missed having you all in the Centre.

Following Government guidelines and working closely with HSA and HSE we are delighted to announce that we will be resuming services once again on a phased in basis from 31st August 2020.

Your health and safety and that of our staff is paramount and therefore we have had to implement many changes which you will experience when entering the Centre. A short video is attached prepared by the Therapy team demonstrating how it will look when you enter and help prepare a child to understand the new guidelines.

https://youtu.be/ZkkLi4J0UMw

Despite all the measures that have been undertaken we want to ensure you that nothing has changed in relation to the ethos or friendly environment we maintained prior to Covid-19, and despite the appearance of screens and wearing of PPE our staff are looking forward to welcoming you all back.

We would ask you to read the following guidelines prior to making an appointment and note that 3 members of our staff have undergone Covid Response training to provide you with peace of mind and to ensure compliance to HSE policies and procedures relating to Covid-19 remain in the workplace.

We will be keeping a close eye on Government guidelines and will keep you updated on any further changes that may need to be included or alternatively relaxed.

For the initial phase we will be offering face to face therapies in the centre on a 1:1 basis for SLT , OT and Physio whilst we look at the logistics for group sessions a little further down the road. Service charges will resume as previously charged prior to closure of the centre.

Please remember if you are not comfortable attending the Centre in person, our Teletherapy sessions are an alternative option which we are continuing for the foreseeable future and either format can be booked through the Centre.

Thank you all for your patience and we look forward to welcoming you back, in the meantime if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us on 01 6618000.

Sharon Dagg

CEO
Down Syndrome Centre

New Guidelines and Protocols from September 2020

Please remember these measures are in force for the protection of your health and safety.

Protocol on entering the Centre

Do not attend for an appointment if you

  • Have symptoms of cough, fever, high temperature, sore throat
  • Breathlessness or flu like symptoms now or in the past 14 days
  • Have been diagnosed with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection in the last 14 days 
  • Have been in close contact of a person who is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days (i.e. less than 2m for more than 15 minutes accumulative in 1 day)                                  
  • Have been advised by a doctor to self-isolate at this time   
  • Have been advised by a doctor to cocoon at this time         

A sign indicating the above will be placed on the front door and if you enter you are confirming that you DO NOT fall under any of the above categories.

Please sanitise hands on entering building and adhere to hand washing guidelines when using bathrooms.

Temperature testing for all will be required on entry

We would ask that 2M social distancing is maintained whilst in the building at ALL times

There should be no congregating in reception, carpark or other areas in centre.

Only one person permitted at reception desk at any one time.

Family room is used purely as a short waiting area and not for social visits or feeding times, and we would ask that you adhere to social distancing regulations of 2m.

Please note that unfortunately the kitchen facilities will not be open for use, but please feel free to bring in your own take-away coffees, where Cabinteely has a selection of choice on offer.

We would ask all parents to provide and wear their own face masks on entering building, if you forget one on the day you will be able to purchase one at reception at a cost of €2

We would ask that siblings where avoidable are not brought to sessions.

All costs for sessions to be made by contactless payment , unless circumstances do not allow

Please note Appointment times may vary to allow time for cleaning and disinfecting between sessions. Due to the above we would ask you to arrive on time as we will not be in a position to extend session for late arrivals.

We would ask that only one adult attends appointment with a child. 

During sessions parents will be requested to maintain a 2m distance from the therapist at all times, under current guidelines the Therapist is permitted closer proximity to the child as healthcare is an essential service. Therapists will maintain hygiene etiquette at all times and be wearing relevant PPE during each session.

We really appreciate your co-operation and thank you for your understanding during this period.