Staff Update | Calvary’s Position Statement on Visitation in Aged Care No images? Click here 8 February 2022 Dear Colleagues, Calvary recognises the importance of family and friends to all of our residents, and the emotional and physical support that they provide for their wellbeing, particularly in the past two years of uncertainty. With the Omicron variant, we have been concerned with the frequent and often long lockdowns required by jurisdictions for the management of COVID-19 outbreaks in our homes and the effect that reduced social and physical activity has on residents. To address this, we have established a position statement on visitation in all Calvary homes which allows for improved access for families and Partners in Care, both while a home is in ‘lockdown’ and more generally. This position statement is available here for your information. This policy will become effective from Wednesday 9 February 2022. For homes currently in outbreak additional information will be provided regarding the timing of implementation of this position statement. Families have also received a copy of the position statement today. Should you have any questions regarding its implementation please speak with your Home Manager. As outlined in the position statement, visitors to homes in outbreak conditions will be required to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE). Prior to entry to a Calvary home during an outbreak, visitors have been asked to review the following video which explains donning and doffing of PPE. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank you for the work you do in keeping our residents safe. You have worked long hours in full PPE with the associated heightened emotional and practical pressures that come with dealing with COVID-19 and outbreaks. We are very proud of the positive contribution that you make in the lives of our residents, with care, commitment and a smile (under your masks). I acknowledge this has been, and continues to be, a very difficult period for families, their loved ones and our staff, and I would like to thank you all for your patience, understanding and support during this time. Martin Bowles Founded in Australia in 1885 by the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, Calvary is a charitable, not-for-profit, Catholic health care organisation. Our mission is to provide quality, compassionate health care to the most vulnerable, including those reaching the end of their life. With over 18,000 staff and volunteers, we have a national network of 14 Public and Private Hospitals, 72 Residential Care and Retirement Communities and 19 Community Care service centres. |