Staff Update: Calvary Albury and Districts will re-open to visitors from 15 February 2022

Date:   01 March 2022

To:       All Staff – Calvary Albury

From:  Amanda Bennett, General Manager Aged Care

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately one (1) resident has tested positive for COVID-19 at Calvary Albury & Districts. The resident resides in Noreuil wing and is isolating and receiving care in their room. All other Noreuil residents received a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) and PCR testing is being conducted today.

Residents outside Noreuil wing are free to move around the facility and accept visitors, however, visitation precautions are now in place to keep residents, staff and visitors as safe as possible. Please see below:

Information for visitors

• Visiting hours are between 11.00am – 6.00pm, with last entry to the home permitted at 5.00pm.
• Visitors must book their visit by calling (02) 6057 1500 between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm.
• There is no limit to the number of visitors allowed per resident, per day.
• Visitors will be required to complete screening requirements prior to entry and wear appropriate PPE (including face mask and shield) whilst visiting. PPE is provided by Calvary.
• Visitors will be required to have a rapid antigen test (RAT test) before entering the home.

Arrangements for Noreuil Wing

• Visitation to Noreuil wing will be closed for the next three (3) days to enable the home to ensure all safety measures are in place for residents, visitors and staff.
• Consistent with Calvary’s Position Statement on Visiting in Aged Care one fully vaccinated visitor (Partner in Care), per resident, will be permitted entry to Noreuil wing from 11.00am 4 March 2022.
• All visitors will be supplied with the appropriate PPE (including face masks and shields as appropriate) to wear whilst visiting.
• Visitation exceptions may be made for residents receiving end of life care, residents who may be experiencing distress, or where a special care and support role is provided. Visitors must contact the home manager to discuss arrangements.

We need you to continue to work

You are safe to continue to provide resident care because you are trained and prepared for situations such as this. Your training means you will know how to provide resident care safely by following our strict infection prevention and control procedures, including the correct use of PPE.

For staff that work across multiple sites we would like you to continue to work at Calvary. To support you to do this Calvary will commit to giving you equivalent shifts to ensure that your hours from both Calvary and the alternate employer are maintained at a minimum.

What do I need to remember?

Our first priority and focus is the safety, health and wellbeing of the people in our care, including you, our employees, at this time. You will be kept informed by your Manager as the situation develops.

• Notify your Manager immediately if you have been notified that you are a close contact of a positive case, are showing symptoms of COVID-19, or are in any way unwell.
• Wear PPE as advised. If you have any questions, please speak with your Manager.
• Follow the COVID-19 media protocol. If you are contacted by a journalist, do not answer questions. Simply record the journalist’s name, media agency and contact details and notify the Manager.
• If you are experiencing any form of distress or anxiety, please speak to your Manager. If you find you require additional support, please reach out to our Employee Assistance Provider (EAP).

Thank you for all that you are doing to ensure our residents continue to receive the safest possible care with empathy and compassion in this challenging time