This update provides all Calvary staff with an update to our previous communication dated 27 March 2020. New requirements, outlined below, and effective 2 April 2020, are in addition to those outlined in our previous update.

The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly. The behaviour of staff in response to changing requirements in this challenging time has been excellent.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for continuing to support one another in the continued provision of such a high standard of safe, quality care for our patients, residents and clients.

Introduction of Screening and Temperature Checks

In order to effectively manage the risk of infection and protect the health of staff, our patients, residents and their family members, Calvary is introducing routine screening and temperature checks of all people at all sites upon entry from 12.00am (midnight) 2 April 2020.

• All staff, VMOs, Contractors and Visitors should be vetted with screening questions based on the existing documents and questions (clinical and travel - based on COVID-19 case definition).
• All Staff, VMOs, Contractors and Visitors should have a daily temperature check on entry to the building or facility. Protocol for handling a reading of 37.5 degrees celcius or greater is outlined below.

What does this mean for Staff, VMOs, GPs, Contractors and Visitors with an elevated temperature?

If temperature reading is equal to or greater than 37.5 degrees celcius, the following actions must be taken:

• For Visitors, Contactors and VMOs: Provide the person with an information sheet (Temperature Advice Card - VMO, Contractor, Visitor) and request they leave the building.
• For All Staff: Provide the person with an information sheet (Temperature Advice Card - All Staff), and request they leave the building and go on personal and carers leave (Covid Leave should be used if the staff member is otherwise well).

An elevated temperature is one of the symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and as a precautionary measure, any person with a temperature recorded at 37.5 degrees celcius or greater will be requested to leave the facility.

This measure is to reduce the risk of potential COVID-19 transmission to other members of staff, GPs and VMOs, and the vulnerable people in our care.

What are the leave arrangements for Staff with an elevated temperature?

In the case a staff member is required to leave the facility because of an elevated temperature reading, it is recommended they continue to monitor their health from home for the next few days. Staff will be able to access up to three (3) days Covid leave prior to accessing normal paid personal and carers leave. 

See the Staff Advice Card for further information.

If your temperature has returned to within normal levels, you will be placed back on your usual roster. These measures are being enacted during the Pandemic period for the safety of our staff, residents, patients and clients.

Consumer and Staff Communications

Calvary will continue to communicate with Staff, VMOs, GPs, patients, residents, clients and family members as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

• Staff now have access to a Calvary COVID-19 Staff Updates and Resources webpage at www.calvarystaffupdates.org.au. Please check this site regularly for the latest updates.
• Information to this effect will be placed on Calvary website and social media platforms live to the public from 1 April 2020.
• A Calvary Coronavirus webpage has been established along with social media posts on every Calvary Facebook page for Hospitals, Retirement Communities and Community Care.

We will keep you informed of any further developments. Please contact your Manager if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for all that you do. 

Kris Salisbury, National Director Clinical Governance

Tony Hobbs, Chief Medical Advisor