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


Dear Resident and Family Members,

COVID-19 Update for Residents and Families: Positive cases identified at Calvary The Brelsford

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately a second resident has tested positive to COVID-19, bringing the total to two (2) positive cases. The second resident also resides in Pearl wing and is isolating and receiving care in their room. As a result, this now meets the criteria for an outbreak and precautions will be put in place to ensure the safety of our residents and staff.

In line with Public Health Unit advice, Pearl wing is closed to visitors 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.

Visitation to the rest of the home is allowed, however visitation restrictions remain in place to keep out residents, their visitors and our staff as safe as possible. Please see below:

Information for visitors during an outbreak

  • Pearl wing will be closed for the next three (3) days to enable the home to ensure all safety measures are in place for residents, visitors and staff. Visitation to Pearl wing will recommence from 10.00am 28 March 2022 (day 4 of outbreak).
  • Visitation to the rest of the home will be consistent with Calvary’s Position Statement on Visiting in Aged Care, which permits one fully vaccinated visitor (Partner in Care), per resident entry to the home.
  • Our visiting hours are 10.00am – 4.00pm, daily, with last entry to the home at 3.30pm. This is to ensure all screening processes can be completed by our day staff.
  • We ask that all visitors book their visit with us for now. To make a booking, please email coffs@japara.com.au and provide your requested time and date, name of the resident/room number, your name and proof of your COVID vaccination.
  • Visitors will be required to complete screening requirements prior to entry and wear appropriate PPE (including face mask and shield) whilst visiting. PPE is provided by Calvary.
  • As a precaution to keeping residents safe, 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 early next 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,                           

Cassandra Schwartz,

General Manager Aged Care