COVID-19 UPDATE - easing of resident restrictions at the Calvary Robina Rise

Date: 13 January 2022

To: All Staff – Calvary Robina Rise

From:  Bryan McLoughlin, Regional CEO – NSW / QLD 

I am writing to advise that no further residents have tested positive to COVID-19 at Calvary Robina Rise. Currently, four (4) residents and thirty-two (32) staff have tested positive.

We are pleased to advise that all residents, other those who have tested positive, are able to leave their rooms and socialise with other residents on their floor, including all meal service returning to the dining room and limited social activities.

For the safety of residents and staff and in consultation with the Public Health Unit, Calvary Robina Rise remains closed to visitors until the Public Health Unit deems it safe to reopen. 

Visitation exceptions may be made for residents receiving end of life care, or who may be experiencing distress, or where a special care and support role is provided. Please speak with the Home Manager of your home to discuss arrangements.

We understand this is a difficult and anxious time for you, the residents you care for and their families. Please be assured that we have planned for situations like this and will continue to do everything possible to cater both for yours, and the residents’ health and wellness needs, safely.

What are we doing to contain the outbreak?

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, which includes:

• Physically separated the affected person, including any close contacts;
• Notified and working with the State and Commonwealth agencies;
• Immediately closed the home to visitors (no visitors will be allowed entry);
• Ensured all residents are being safely cared, including meals and activities;
• Commencing COVID-19 testing of residents and staff;
• Full outbreak PPE (gloves, masks, face shields, gowns) has been provided to required areas.

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 challenging 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 your 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.

Regards,

Bryan McLoughlin

Regional CEO – NSW / QLD