To our residents, their families and friends, and our staff
Announcement
The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff team are always our top priority and we want to update you on the measures we are taking in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Our plans will be kept under regular review and updated as advised by the public health authorities. We have a Covid-19 committee which was set up in early March 2020 and regular virtual meetings are held to share best practice, guidelines and advice.
We are still taking admissions into our care homes but want to put your mind at rest regarding the safety measures we have in place. If the prospective resident has not been tested they will be screened for symptoms of Covid-19 and, if appropriate to move in, will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
In line with government guidance, any resident being admitted or re-admitted from hospital has to be tested before being accepted into our care to ensure the safety of all our residents and patients.
Visiting
We are happy to announce that visiting has now recommenced in most of our care homes. Adhering to strict government guidelines, the visits will be held outdoors within the garden areas.
To support our residents and staff, strict social distancing measures will continue to apply which means visitors are still currently unable to enter the home. Visits will have to be booked in advance with each home, with restricted visiting times.
It is necessary for us to screen visitors upon arrival, including completing a disclaimer form and temperature checks. We also ask that you use sufficient personal protective equipment on your visit, including wearing a face mask. Being seated at a safe distance from your relative will also continue to keep them protected.
We ask that if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19, including a new or persistent cough, high temperature and / or loss of taste and smell, please DO NOT travel to the care home. The safety of our residents and staff is our priority and we will need to refuse entry to you should you show any of the listed symptoms.
Due to the possibility of localised outbreaks, each home may have to update their guidance policies around visiting at any time. Please contact your appointed care home directly for the latest guidance and information regarding family visits.
It is important to ensure that we keep you and your loved ones as safe as possible as we know that this virus is very contagious. We will still ensure that vital medical visits are made but will insist on professionals washing their hands on entering our homes; we will be asking all visitors to ensure they have no symptoms and will be taking their temperature.
All of our homes have been set up for Skype and Facebook Portal video calling to enable you to keep in touch and we are confident that our staff will do all they can to ensure that life in our services remains as comfortable and sociable as possible.
PPE & Covid-19 testing
Our staff are all trained in infection control and are extra vigilant to the symptoms of Covid-19. We have a clear process should a resident or member of staff show such symptoms and, to date, all of our staff have been brilliant in following this. Please be reassured that we have a good stock in every home of all the PPE that is needed with further supplies available if needed.
We recognise how important it is, particularly when you can’t visit, to ensure that you are aware of the situation regarding Covid-19 in the home where your loved one lives, and we are doing our best to ensure that you are kept informed. We will contact all families directly should your loved one be displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or if we have any concerns. We are really pleased to tell you that testing in our homes has increased hugely. You may have heard the Health Secretary say that in England all residents and staff in care homes will be tested by early June, and we are pleased to say that most of our care homes are now testing staff and residents. Testing is hugely important to help us understand the actions we need to take in managing our homes and hospitals even more safely and effectively.
Our staff
Our amazing staff are working tirelessly to ensure you and your loved ones are kept safe. Thank you for all of your lovely emails, cards and messages, it means such a lot to them and we are ensuring that these comments are fed back. We are proud to say that we are surrounded by a professional, skilled, dedicated, and compassionate team who are willing to put the care of our residents first. We have been truly humbled by seeing everyone work together using their expertise, and positive attitude to do the right thing. In order to ensure that our staff have the support they need to continue their great work we have been listening to understand how the impact of Covid-19 is affecting their lives.
For those who have gone ‘above and beyond’ we will ensure that they receive a sum in recognition of their commitment in keeping our residents safe during this difficult period of time. Human kindness has never been so important, and our spirits have been lifted by hearing and seeing the hard work and professionalism that is happening every day.
Thank you so much for all your kind words, it means a lot to all of us, and please be assured this gets shared with our great teams.
Daya Thayan,
CEO
Published date 29th May 2020
