COVID-19 Update – 29th May
I am writing to provide you with a further update on where we are within the current coronavirus pandemic.
Family visiting
None of us anticipated the length of time we would be unable to see our family and friends, so I am hopeful that The Prime Minister will relax some of the rules very soon. We have already planned how we will facilitate visits with the correct protocols to keep everyone safe:
- Visiting by appointment with allocated visiting times
- A limited amount of visitors per visit
- Time limits per visit
- Infection control measures both on arrival and departure
- Well-being checks
Testing and PPE
I am pleased to inform you that testing has finally reached our care homes. The Government are in the process of delivering testing kits to all our homes, many of which have already been received. I am pleased to inform you that the results so far have been very pleasing that the majority of our homes having no COVID-19 cases.. Staff are also being tested and the results are equally as pleasing. The Home Managers will of course notify you if your relative has received their test result. Due to effective planning and strong relationships with our suppliers we continue to be able to access and hold sufficient stocks of PPE.
Staff Training
Despite the challenges our all-important staff training continues. The group training team have developed innovative packages to support current and new staff during this lockdown period, with much of the training now being delivered through virtual classrooms. We are also fortunate that we have in-house trainers at each home who continue to provide direct and hands-on training to all new and existing staff.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we work through these difficult times together, and assure you that we will continue to implement any new guidance as soon as it is released by Government, Public Health England and the World Health Organisation.
We will continue to keep you all updated, but if you have any questions please do speak with your home management team and who will do their best to answer them.
Once again, I sincerely thank you All.
Best wishes and stay safe,
Sharon Winfield
Chief Operating Officer
