Staying well this winter - Information for our kaimahi

We're sorry to hear you are not feeling well. It's important you stay home when you are sick or have been asked to isolate.  

• Do you have COVID-19 symptoms? You need to get a RAT test.
• Do you feel unwell, but have no COVID-19 symptoms? Follow your usual sick leave process: Call your manager and let them know. Stay home if you are sick.

Take a RAT test if:

• You have any COVID-19 symptoms
• You have been a household close contact of someone who has COVID-19
• You have been told to get tested by ARPHS (Auckland Regional Public Health Service)
• You have been asked to get tested as part of ongoing surveillance.

Which tests should I use?

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are very good at identifying if you are infectious. They are also faster, and much more pleasant, than PCRs. We're asking all of our kaimahi to self-manage RAT testing and take a test if the above applies.

Rapid Antigen Testing Quick Sheet for Staff.

Where to get Rapid Antigen Tests

• Household Close Contact - Where do I get a Rapid Antigen Test kit?
• Staff Positive Case: Where do I get Rapid Antigen Tests to use at home?

In-team testing

To do in-team testing please email LWittstock@adhb.govt.nz. If you run in-team testing, you must make sure the results are recorded on My Covid Record.

What do I do with my results?

Enter your results on My Covid Record.

If you got a supervised RAT at a Community Testing Centre or from another health provider, the result will be automatically entered for you on your My Covid Record.

• Have you tested positive for COVID-19? Here's what you need to do. Your manager will keep in regular touch with you. You should only return to work if you feel well enough to do so.
• Are you a household close contact?* Here's what you need to do.
• Have you been exposed to COVID-19 at work or home? Take a look at what to do.

* You are a household contact if you normally share a residence with a person who has tested positive. This includes anyone who shares a house or flat on a permanent or part-time basis (for example, shared custody) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, and You spent at least one night or day (more than 8 hours) in that residence while the person with COVID-19 was infectious.

Protect yourself, your whānau, and our vulnerable patients, by getting your seasonal flu vaccination.

You can do this at Auckland City Hospital Monday – Friday between 9am-3pm at the Clinical Skills Centre, Level 4, Support Building, or any local GP or pharmacy.

There are lots of different reasons you may be needing to take some time off. Find the Mahi E Taea leave code and enter it into Mahi E Taea. You can use this manual if you need help.

Leave arrangements are in place for anyone who needs to isolate or has COVID-19 (see page 6).

We know things are tough right now, so we’re putting some extra support in place for you if you want to have a chat with someone about how you’re feeling.

Raise, the team that manages our employee assistance programme, is running team and individual wellbeing check-ins with a trained professional. You can request help and advice with total confidentiality by calling 0800 735 343, 24/7. You can also book an appointment online at raisementalhealth.co.nz.

The check-in is free and completely separate from your existing Raise (employee assistance programme) allowance.

As a member of our staff, you have access to a range of extra support options for when you are isolating and need help, or other times when things are tough. Have a talk with your manager, or email our Employee Support Centre employeesupportcntre@adhb.govt.nz.

Great idea, prevention is better than cure!

Help keep yourself and your family healthy through winter by checking out these tips from the Auckland Regional Public Health Service & the Ministry of Social Development.

Once you're back at work, you can take a look at the Wellbeing Hub on Hippo.