03 May 2022

Dear Resident and Family Members,

COVID-19 Update for Residents and Families at Calvary St Catherine’s

I am writing to inform you that no additional residents have tested positive to COVID-19 at Calvary St Catherine’s since our last communication to you in our recent round of testing on 30 April 2022. The positive residents remain in isolation and are receiving care in their rooms, and their families have been contacted.

In line with Calvary’s Position Statement on Visiting in Aged Care, visitation to the home has recommenced, however, certain precautions are in place to help keep our residents, their visitors and our staff as safe as possible. Please see below:

Information for visitors during an outbreak

• One fully vaccinated visitor, per resident, per day, will be permitted entry to the home and the visitor must wear full PPE for the duration of their visit.
• We ask that you view this short video prior to visiting the home, which explains what to expect when you visit during an outbreak including how to don (put on) and doff (take off) PPE. Staff will be able to assist you as required.
• All visitors will be supplied with the appropriate PPE (including face masks and shields as appropriate) to wear whilst visiting.
• Visitors will be required to have a rapid antigen test (RAT test) before entering the home. This takes time, and we ask for your patience as we manage this important screening process.
• Visitation exceptions may be made for residents receiving end of life care, residents who may be experiencing distress, or where a special care and support role is provided. Please speak with the home manager to discuss arrangements.

We will continue to liaise closely with Public Health Unit officials, who will make the decision about whether and when it is safe to remove the current visitation restrictions. We will keep you updated as information becomes available. We anticipate our next communication to you will be before the end of the week.

Please be assured that our staff have prepared for situations such as these and are trained in strict infection control procedures. They continue to focus all of their attention on the individual care needs of residents. You can help us to ease anxiety by sharing this information with other family and friends.

Thank you for your continued understanding and patience at this time.

Sincerely,                                                      

Ryan Midgley

General Manager Aged Care