Staff update – Calvary Nazareth outbreak over

Date: 24 January 2022

To: All Staff – Calvary Nazareth

From:  Bryan McLoughlin, Regional CEO – NSW & QLD

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

The home is re-opening to a limited number of visitors from today, Monday, 24 January 2022.

The last of the restrictions on residents have been lifted and residents can move freely within the home. They no longer have to remain within their own wing. Communal dining and activities have resumed but must continue to be held in a COVID-safe manner.

Information you need to know about visitation 

A number of changes will be in place when general visiting resumes.

• 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, and will be required to wear a surgical mask.

• Visiting hours are between 11am and 3.30pm and visits must be pre-booked through the home during business hours. The cut-off time relates to visitors’ arrival at the home. Once inside, visitors may stay longer.

• All visitors will need to undertake a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) before entering. Staff will administer the test. This will take 15-20 minutes, and visitors are being asked to allow extra time for their visit.

• 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 required, prior arrangements can be made with the home manager so a qualified staff member can be on hand to administer the screening test.

• Visitation exceptions may be made for residents receiving end of life care, or for compassionate visits. This should be arranged with the home manager.

• At present, resident outings will be limited to medical appointments only.

Staff must continue to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 masks and eye protection, and closely monitor all residents for symptoms of COVID-19.

Thank you for all that you have done to ensure our residents continued to receive the safest possible care, with such empathy and compassion during this very challenging time.

Sincerely