Dear Resident and Family Members,

Positive COVID-19 exposure identified at Calvary Muswellbrook

We are writing to inform you that a member of staff has tested positive COVID-19 on Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at Calvary Muswellbrook. As a precaution we have elected to isolate residents and cease visitation until formal PCR results have returned.

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 wellness of all our residents while keeping them safe during this difficult time.

You are receiving this notification as the designated Person Responsible. You can help us ease the anxiety of other family members by sharing this information with your relatives.

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, which includes:

• Physically separated the affected person, including any close contacts;
• Notified and 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;
• Commencing COVID-19 testing of residents and staff;
• Full outbreak personal protective equipment (PPE - gloves, masks, face shields, gowns) has been provided to required areas.

Are residents safe?

All residents are being kept safe in their rooms, and provided with their usual care with some changes under outbreak 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 an outbreak.

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

Where can I get more information?

Calvary will continue to keep you informed of the situation. 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 a COVID-19 outbreak. 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.

Sincerely,                   

Bryan McLoughlin  Regional CEO – NSW & QLD