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

Dear Resident or Family Member,

Important Update for Residents and Families: Further positive COVID-19 cases identified at Calvary Brighton

Today we received the results of the PCR tests undertaken on January 12 2022. Unfortunately these tests identified 5 (five) new residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, and the family of these residents have been contacted directly.

These results have required us to put the home back into lockdown until we better understand the situation and have discussed next steps with the Public Health Unit. The good news is that all RATs undertaken today 18 January, returned negative results.

In line with Public Health Unit advice and to keep our residents and staff safe, Calvary Brighton-le-Sands is closed to visitors immediately, and all residents must remain in, and be cared for in their rooms for now.

We will continue to liaise closely with Public Health Unit officials, who will make the decision about whether and when it is safe to re-open Calvary Brighton or lift restrictions on residents’ movement about the home.

We understand that this is very frustrating for residents and families, particularly as we have just only reopened to visitors a few days ago. 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?

As last time, 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 persons, including any close contacts;
• Notified and are working with the State and Commonwealth agencies;
• Immediately closed the home to visitors (except for end of life, compassionate visits);
• Commenced further COVID-19 testing of residents and staff;
• Provided full outbreak personal protective equipment to required areas.

Our staff are in contact with the families of the COVID positive residents and are keeping them informed.

Are residents safe?

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 the listed Person Responsible, with a situation update during the outbreak period. The home 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?
Our staff are in contact with the families of the COVID positive residents and are keeping them informed. Calvary will update you again as soon as any further information becomes available.

Please be assured that our staff have prepared for exposures and outbreaks such as this. Our staff are trained in strict infection control procedures and continue to focus all their attention on the individual care needs of residents.

Thank you for you continued understanding and patience at this time.

Sincerely,

Bryan McLoughlinRegional CEO – NSW & QLD