Dear Resident or Family Members,

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

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately one resident has tested positive for COVID-19 at Calvary Sandhurst and the home has once again been placed into lockdown, effective immediately.

We understand that this is very frustrating for residents and families, particularly as we have just only reopened to visitors last Friday. 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?

As last time, 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 people, 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);
• Commenced further COVID-19 testing of residents and staff;
• Provided full outbreak personal protective equipment to required areas.

Our staff are in contact with the families of the COVID positive residents and are keeping them informed.

We are liaising closely with the Public Health Unit regarding management of this latest outbreak, next steps, the testing regime required, and when Calvary Sandhurst might be able to have resident restrictions lifted or re-open to visitors.

We will be conducting further rapid antigen tests for residents on Wednesday, and will keep you informed of the results and any further information as it becomes available.

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.

Calvary Sandurst 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?

Our staff are in contact with the families of the COVID positive residents and are keeping them informed.

Calvary will update you again as soon as any further information becomes available. You can help us to ease anxiety by sharing this information with other family and friends.

Please be assured that our staff have prepared for exposures and outbreaks such as this. Our staff are trained in strict infection control procedures and continue to focus all their attention on the individual care needs of residents.

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

Sincerely,

Dana Ieraci, General Manager Aged Care