26 January 2022 | View in Browser
 
 
Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Update for Residents and Families
 

Dear Resident or Family Member,

Important Update for Residents and Families: Positive COVID-19 case identified at Calvary St Francis

I am writing to inform you that two residents have tested positive for COVID-19 at Calvary St Francis. These residents live within C Wing, however the whole home has been placed in lockdown effective immediately.

We understand that this may be worrying for you and your loved one in our care. We want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to continue to look after the health and wellbeing of all our residents while keeping them safe during this difficult time.

What is Calvary doing?

The home’s COVID-19 Outbreak Management Plan (OMP) has been enacted and we have taken immediate action to contain transmission and keep residents and staff safe. We have:

• Physically separated the affected person, including any close contacts;
• Notified and are working with the State and Commonwealth agencies;
• Immediately closed the home to visitors (except for end of life, compassionate visits);
• Ensured all residents are being safely cared for in their rooms, including meals and activities;
• Commenced COVID-19 testing of residents and staff;
• Provided full outbreak personal protective equipment (PPE - gloves, masks, face shields, gowns) to required areas.

Are residents safe?

All residents are being kept safe in their rooms where they are being provided with their usual care, with some changes under these conditions. For resident safety, group activities and group dining have been suspended. Residents will be provided with their meals and hydration, medication, exercise, medical care and phone/video call contact with families in their rooms.

In addition to these first actions, our care continuity plan ensures we have the clinical and non-clinical staff and other support services necessary to meet the individual care needs of our residents during situations such as this.

The team will be calling you, the listed Person Responsible, with a situation update during the outbreak period. The home will need to remain closed to visitors until the Public Health Unit deems it safe to reopen.

Compassionate visits for residents receiving end-of-life care are an exception and can be arranged with permission of the home manager.

Where can I get more information?

Calvary will update you again as soon as any information becomes available. We anticipate our next update to residents and families will be Friday, unless there are any changes that need to be communicated before then.

We kindly request that you limit your contact with the home due to the increased workload and while staff are focused on caring for the residents.

Please be assured that our staff have prepared for situations such as these. Our staff are trained in strict infection control procedures and are focusing 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 you continued understanding and patience at this time.

Sincerely,

Sandeep Kandel

General Manager Aged Care - Huntere