Dear Resident & Family Members,

Calvary Nazareth set to re-open to visitors from tomorrow

Following advice from the Hunter New England Public Health Unit, we are very pleased to let you know that the outbreak at Calvary Nazareth has been declared over.

The home is re-opening to a limited number of visitors from today, Monday, 24 January 2022. Visits will need to be pre-booked with the home.

The remaining restrictions on residents have now been lifted and residents can move freely within the home and mingle freely with residents in other wings. Communal dining and activities will resume but will continue to be held in a COVID-safe manner.

Information for visitors

A number of changes will be in place when Calvary Nazareth re-opens from tomorrow.

• In line with Calvary’s recent national visitor update of 29 December 2021, and due to the continuing heightened risk of infection, only one nominated visitor per resident will be permitted. This will be in place until further notice. Each family should nominate the visitor and notify the home manager. The visitor is strongly encouraged to have obtained a booster vaccine if they are eligible, and will be required to wear a surgical mask.

• Visiting hours are between 11am and 3.30pm and visits should be pre-booked through the home. Contact 4947 0047 during business hours. The cut-off time relates to visitors’ arrival at the home. Once inside, visitors may stay longer.

• All visitors will need to undertake a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) before entering. Staff will administer the test. This will take 15-20 minutes, so please allow extra time for your visit.

• The screening tests will only be done up until 3.30pm each day, so visitors will need to arrive by then. We understand that there may sometimes need to be exceptions. Please contact the home manager so arrangements can be made to have a qualified staff member can be on hand to administer the screening test.

• Visitation exceptions may be made for residents receiving end of life care, or for compassionate visits. Please speak with the home manager to discuss arrangements.

• At present, resident outings will be limited to medical appointments only.

What happens now?

Our staff will continue to wear personal protective equipment, including N95 masks and eye protection, and closely monitor all residents for symptoms of COVID-19.

Thank you to our residents for your cooperation during this recent outbreak. To our families, we are grateful that you continue to work with us so generously to ensure the safety of your loved ones in our care, and look forward to receiving visitors back into the home.

Sincerely,

Bryan McLoughlin

Regional CEO – NSW & QLD