COVID-19 UPDATE 7.2.22

Dear All Staff,

As you are aware we have a number of staff that have tested positive to COVID-19 across both our homes.

These staff members are currently quarantining at home and all are doing well.

We are in contact with them to ensure they are doing well as well as contact with SA Health.

At Hope Valley we have four (4) staff who have tested positive since 31/1/22 and at Findon two (2) staff members tested positive since 4/2/22.

The staff members deemed close contacts have all done a PCR tests done with NEGATIVE results so far.

As we have had positive staff cases we are now undertaking frequent PCR tests with all residents and staff across both homes.

Unfortunately we also now have a resident test positive at Findon in ROSE Wing.

HOPE VALLEY – A1 and A2 are on 72 hour PCR testing

FINDON – ROSE Wing 48 hourly PCR / IRIS Wing 72 hour testing and TARA / HAZEL have a further test in 72 hours

At this stage ROSE WING at FINDON is a RED Zone (full quarantine – no visitors)

IRIS WING AMBER Zone

TARA / HAZEL currently AMBER Zone just till the remainder of the PCR results come through

At HOPE VALLEY

A1 is an AMBER ZONE – moving soon to a GREEN ZONE

A2 is an AMBER ZONE on high alert following recent COVID-19 exposure

Clinpath and the Clinical Staff have been exceptional undertaking all these PCR tests.

It is essential that if you are feeling unwell you notify the site and speak with the RN in Charge / HR Bosko / Daniel / Marjorie / Naina / Belinda or myself and do not attend the home until you have NEGATIVE PCR test and are feeling better.

Thank you to our clinical team for being able to do these PCR tests so efficiently and timely, it gives us a better chance to manage this COVID situation.

FULL PPE – long sleeve gowns / N95 masks and gloves MUST be worn when on site in BOTH HOMES

Hope Valley A2 and IRIS / ROSE Wing at Findon must include face shields and googles.

Please remember you are rostered / allocated into specific areas of the home.  This provides a greater level of protection for ALL staff, residents and our Ananda Community.

We continue to have the Outbreak Management Plan activated -this have been reviewed and updated with copies with the RN in Charge.

ALL Staff MUST continue to undertake daily RAT tests on commencement of their shift – if it is POSITIVE please immediately leave the premises and proceed to the car park – contact the RN in Charge for further information including getting a PCR test.

If your initial RAT test is positive you do not need to do another RAT test, you need to have a PCR done. This deems as POSITIVE to COVID-19.

We continue to liaise and follow the directions as set out by SA Health in the Residential Aged Care Facilities Interim Guidance for the Management of COVID-19 Outbreaks and follow the Emergency Management Directions. Please take the time to read these guidelines and our Outbreak Management Plan as it governs and supports our practice.

I am in daily contact with both SA Health and the Commonwealth Department of Health with updates.

We are continuing to support visitors to the home and do ask that the following occurs to reduce the risk of transmission. This may change at any time.

  • Mon – Fri 1 – 5pm
  • Sat – Sun from 1 – 3pm
  • One (1) visitor at a time
  • Facemask must be worn at all times
  • Please use hand sanitiser
  • Practice social distancing
  • Visits to be conducted outside where possible
  • Please notify us immediately is you are a close contacts
  • Please do not visit if feeling unwell
  • RAT Tests in A2 HV and IRIS Wing FINDON
  • Currently nil visitors to ROSE Wing

We understand that this is an overwhelming time and we reinforce to all of our staff that our Executive Team is always available for any issues or support and we urge you to make contact as you need.  Please everyone stay safe!

We are supporting staff to take Annual Leave with a n umber of staff already on A/L or have confirmed leave booked for later this year.

Please note the 12 hour shifts are mandatory shifts, however we are have approached staff who have agreed to take up the offer to do 12 hour shifts to ensure continuity of care

If staff are doing 12 hour shifts you are entitled to a one (1) hour meal break which can be taken as x2 – 30 min breaks or a one (1) hour break depending on resident and staff needs at the time – please liaise with the RN in Change

Mental Health Support

As per SA Health “……..It’s normal to feel stress and worry when there is a health event happening in the community that is affecting people’s wellbeing, such as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

This can affect people through isolation from loved ones and usual supports, changes to normal daily routines, changes to or loss of work, difficult financial situations, as well as anxiety about becoming unwell.

To support the mental health of South Australians during this time we have established a Mental Health Support Network of services based locally in SA. This page provides information about the services and other resources for mental health support during this challenging time.

If you are in self-isolation or quarantine, see the Mental Health information for people in home isolation fact sheet (PDF 325KB) for information and support services.”

Call 1800 632 753 or chat online at SA COVID-19 Mental Health support line.
Available 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, seven days a week (including public holidays).

Once again thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement during these unprecedented times.

Please do not hesitate to contact me, Naina (CNC Hope Valley), Daniel (CNC Findon) or Bosko (HRBP) if you would like to discuss further.

I have attached an update of the DONNING / DOFFING sequence for your reference.

REMINDER – Check the SA Health website (https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/) frequently for updates and exposure sites (https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/infectious+diseases/covid-19/testing+and+tracing/contact+tracing/contact+tracing#scrollTo-Lowriskcasualcontact1)

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