Dear Resident or Family Members,

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

I am writing to inform you that a resident has tested positive for COVID-19 at Calvary Viewhills Manor. This person resides in the Reema Wing, which has now been locked down effective immediately. Those residing in Heatherton have not been placed into lockdown and can still have visitors at this time

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 Reema Wing 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 in Reema Wing 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 Reema Wing 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 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,

Sharon Martindale, General Manager Aged Care