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

Dear Residents and Family Members,

Calvary Mt Carmel set to re-open to visitors from tomorrow

Following advice from the Hunter New England Public Health Unit, we are very pleased to let you know that the outbreak at Calvary Mt Carmel has been declared over.

The home will re-open to a limited number of visitors from Saturday, 22 January 2022.

The remaining restrictions on residents have now been lifted and residents can move freely within the home. This means that residents no longer have to remain within their own household but can visit and mingle freely with residents of other households. Communal dining and activities will resume but will continue to be held in a COVID-safe manner.

Information for visitors

A number of changes will be in place when Calvary Mt Carmel re-opens from tomorrow.

  • In line with Calvary’s recent national visitor update of 29 December 2021, and due to the continuing heightened risk of infection, only one nominated visitor per resident will be permitted. This will be in place until further notice. Each family should nominate the visitor and notify the home manager. The visitor is strongly encouraged to have obtained a booster vaccine if they are eligible.
  • Visitor entry to the home is between 11am and 3.30pm. If visitors need to attend outside these hours, they will need to book ahead of time (see below). Once in the home, visitors may stay longer.
  • All visitors will need to undertake a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) before entering. Staff will administer the test and visitors should expect a small delay before they are able to enter the home. We ask for your patience as we move through this important screening process.
  • The screening tests will only be done up until 3.30pm each day, so visitors will need to arrive by then. We understand that there may sometimes need to be exceptions. If so, please make prior arrangements with the home manager – contact 4932 0350 during business hours.
  • Visitation exceptions may be made for residents receiving end of life care, or for compassionate visits. Please speak with the home manager to discuss arrangements.
  • At present, resident outings will be limited to medical appointments only.

Our staff will continue to closely monitor all residents for symptoms of COVID-19.

Thank you to our residents for your cooperation during this recent outbreak. To our families, we are grateful that you continue to work with us so generously to ensure the safety of your loved ones in our care, and look forward to receiving visitors back into the home.

Sincerely,

Bryan McLoughlinRegional CEO – NSW & QLD