Αρχεία: Covid 19 Updates

Dear Residents, Clients and Stakeholders,

Good news! We are entering another positive phase of relaxing previous COVID related measures.

St Basil’s made the decision to implement the following changes from Tuesday 26 September 2023 this is applicable at all the St Basil’s Residentials Aged Are Facilities, Community Care offices and Day Centres:

• NO daily mask wearing, except when there is a possible outbreak (consumers with symptoms and positive RAT test) and confirmed outbreak from Public Health Unit.
• NO surveillance testing which includes temperatures checks, scanning and or completing stickers to confirm surveillance.
• NO more RAT testing stations outside the facilities, however the sites will have RAT test in the nurses’ stations to assess consumers with respiratory symptoms as needed.

St Basil’s will however revert to using stringent infection control measures if there is an infectious outbreak.

You must not enter a St Basil’s facility if:
• You tested positive for COVID for at least 7 days after your positive test and when symptoms have resolved, including the notification of positive COVID PCR to NSW Health.
• You have been in close contact with a person who has COVID.
• Your RAT/PCR test is negative but you still display other respiratory or influenza-like symptoms

Feel free to contact a Facility Manager should you need any additional information or support.

Με εκτίμηση,
Diana Horvatovic
Αναπληρωτής Διευθύνων Σύμβουλος

 

Visiting an aged care home during an outbreak of infectious viruses such as COVID, Gastroenteritis or Influenza has several health risks to residents, staff and visitors.

If you are visiting a loved one during an outbreak, including someone who has COVID, we encourage you to get familiar with the Partners in Care program procedures that help you to understand and teach you good infection control practices.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have 2 short educational courses that you can access online:

 

• Visiting Essentials During an Infectious Outbreak and,

 

• Visiting Essentials for Partners in Care

 

If you or any family or friends plan to visit a resident during an outbreak, you should take a look at the above information and also to share it with other potential visitors.

By having a good understanding of infection control measures, tools and procedures, you will be helping to reduce the spread of infection in an aged care facility to yourself, residents and staff.

 

Let’s keep residents and each other safe from viruses |
Do not visit if you have cold or flu symptoms

 

Dear Representatives, Family and Friends of St Basil’s,

With the Winter season upon us, and an increase in viruses across the community it’s important to take extra precautions in keeping residents and each other free of viruses.

 

In an effort to prevent, control and minimise the spread of viruses to resident and staff at St Basil’s Homes, we ask that representatives, family and friends who wish to visit their loved one take extra precautions before visiting.

 

As is the case with many viruses, it can take several days for symptoms to develop so having good hand hygiene and wearing a surgical mask when visiting St Basil’s, even if you don’t have symptoms, will help to reduce the risk of potentially infecting residents.

 

In particular, the most prominent viruses that can cause health issues for the elderly and are highly-contagious include COVID, influenza (flu) and gastroenteritis (gastro). Information on each of these can be found below.

 

Influenza: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/flu

COVID: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19

Gastroenteritis: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gastroenteritis

 

The Australian National Immunisation Program recommends and encourages an annual influenza vaccination for all Australians aged 6 months and over, particularly those who are at higher risk of complications from influenza such as older adults.

 

Influenza vaccines are given each year to protect against the most common strains of the virus. The strains can change from year to year so the vaccines may be updated from one season to the next, so it’s important to get vaccinated every year.

 

Your General Practitioner can advise you on having your COVID booster, if you are due, along with the flu vaccine. You can learn more about the vaccine from the Government fact sheet here: https://bit.ly/3ZipOsT

 

Visiting as a Partner in Care during an outbreak

Visitor restrictions during an outbreak are difficult for everyone, and St Basil’s Homes recognises and values the importance of loved ones connecting. St Basil’s Homes is supporting this need with the Government’s Partnership in Care program so that relationships and companionship can continue, even during periods of an infectious outbreak.

 

In order to become a partner in care nominated representatives, family or friends need to do some basic training on infection, prevention and control.

 

Residents and representatives are encouraged to discuss this and if you both agree to be partners in care then let the Care Manager know. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has designed the following resources that we ask you to complete.

• Partner in care fact sheet – this explains partnerships in care.
• Visiting essentials for (PiC) – a digital module on infection prevention and control (IPC) for partners in care.
• Επισκεφθείτε τα απαραίτητα κατά τη διάρκεια μιας λοιμώδους εστίας – a digital module focusing on keeping safe during an outbreak.
• Partner information package – assists partners to build knowledge and skills in IPC practices.

We are happy to speak to you and support you to become a Partner in Care. Please reach out to the home by telephone or email.

 

Precautions, expectations and requirements when visiting St Basil’s Homes

We continue to be guided by NSW Health and the local Public Health Units on best-practices based on situations and residents at each home. We ask that you take all precautions necessary including screening yourself before entering any St Basil’s homes or facilities.

 

We ask that you do not visit a St Basil’s Homes if you have:

• Tested positive for COVID-19. Visitors should not enter an aged care home for at least 7 days after their positive test, unless authorised by the General Manager or Care Manager for compassionate reasons.

 

• Been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. They should follow the advice in the Advice for people exposed to COVID-19 fact sheet and should avoid visiting an aged care home for at least 7 days.

 

• Any COVID-19 symptoms or are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.

 

On the day of your visit:

• Please ensure you have a negative RAT test conducted on the same day prior to the visit, you also have the option of doing a RAT test onsite prior to entering the facility.
• Screen yourself prior to entry for any COVID-19 symptoms, influenza and Gastro symptoms, check your temperature and fill in our declaration form prior to entry, and adhere to hand hygiene practices.
• Be vigilant in following the instructions provided by staff while you visit, including the use of PPE such as a mask, face shield and/or gown, and consider having your visit in a well-ventilated area like outdoors.

If you are unsure of your symptoms, before visiting the home please use this online tool to check your symptoms: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker

 

If you cannot visit in person, we will gladly keep you connected with your loved one through video or telephone calls – our staff are here to support you with this at any time. Simply call us on 1300 367 551 and choose the location of your loved one or email us at admin@stbasils.org.au

 

Your cooperation in keeping residents and staff as safe as possible using the above precautions would be greatly appreciated. If you have any queries feel free to call us on 1300 367 551 or email us at admin@stbasils.org.au

Kind regards,

Νταϊάνα Γκούτκοβιτς
Director of Care, Quality and Risk

 

April 2023_Letter_Winter_Reps_F

Dear Residents, Families and Representatives,

The Government’s Public Health Unit has informed us that there is an increase in COVID-19 cases in the community and we have now entered into another wave of COVID-19.

We ask that you do not visit a St Basil’s Homes if you have:
•tested positive for COVID-19. You should not enter an aged care facility for at least 7 daysafter testing positive.
•have been in close contact/live with someone who has COVID-19. Please follow the advice inthe Advice for people exposed to COVID-19 fact sheet as you should not visit an RACF for atleast 7 days.
•any COVID-19 symptoms or are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.

For best-practice infection prevention and control measures we request that you comply with:
•Mask wearing – an N95 mask will be provided to you

•RAT testing at the site prior to visit

•Screening yourself prior to entry for any COVID-19 symptoms

•Having your temperature checked prior to entry

•Hand Hygiene

•Social distancing

St Basil’s strongly encourages visitors to be vaccinated.

We recommend for your visits to be held in well ventilated areas. We request that you do not hold visits in indoor common areas such as lounge rooms where there usually are other residents. Ensure you do not pull your mask down whilst in the facility or while next to your loved one to keep your loved one safe.

The latest video announcement from Kerry Chant (Chief Health Officer) with a COVID-19 update is available here for you to watch: Social- COVID-19 Update 03112022 Captions_2 (vimeo.com)

Vaccination continues to be a vital part in managing the risk related to COVID-19. We encourage you to get vaccinated if you are eligible for another booster/dose. Second booster doses are now accessible to people aged 30 years and over.

Can I visit if I’m unvaccinated? We know that receiving visitors is essential for residents’ wellbeing and helps to reduce the impacts of social isolation on mental health so we will be providing the opportunity for residents to safely receive visitors. People who are unvaccinated and wish to visit a resident can do so however they must wear a mask and face shield and be guided by staff upon their entry.

We thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please do connect with your General Manager or contact head office on 02 9784 3200 or admin@stbasils.org.au

Με εκτίμηση,
Spiro Stavis Chief Executive Officer

As occurs in the winter months, it is anticipated this year Australia will see an increase in respiratory viruses such as influenza, as well as in COVID-19 cases.

The health, safety and wellbeing of residents and staff remain our priority, and we appreciate your continued support with the measures we are taking to make our Homes the safest possible place for our residents and staff. Visits are vital in maintaining an emotional and physical connection for our residents. St Basil’s will continue to support these visits wherever we can.

Vaccination requirements for entering our Homes
In an effort to prevent, control and minimise risk of infection in our Homes, St Basil’s requests that all visitors are fully vaccinated with the 2022 influenza vaccine and the third dose COVID vaccine (booster). This means that visitors need to provide St Basil’s with documented evidence to enter a residential aged care facility. As of Wednesday 1st June, visitors will be required to show evidence of their third dose COVID (booster) vaccination, and evidence of their 2022 influenza vaccination.

Providing evidence of your vaccinations
We will be requesting evidence of your current vaccinations either prior to you visiting or at the time of your visit. For support in obtaining your immunisation history statement as evidence of vaccinations, visit Service Australia’s fact sheet on their website.

You can send evidence of your vaccinations to the relevant Home using the email address below.

Annandale: annandale@stbasils.org.au Tel: 02 9152 8400
Kensington: kensington@stbasils.org.au Tel: 02 9313 7129
Kogarah: kogarah@stbasils.org.au Tel: 02 9588 9000
Lakemba: lakemba@stbasils.org.au Tel: 02 9784 3200
Miranda: miranda@stbasils.org.au Tel: 02 8543 2000
Randwick: randwick@stbasils.org.au Tel: 02 9152 8300

Note that NSW Health advises that the 2022 influenza vaccine can be given on the same day or at any time before or after their winter COVID-19 booster. In exceptional or special circumstances, it may be possible to enter the facility where the visitor is providing essential care, or for compassionate reasons.

You can find more information about the influenza vaccine including in other languages, at Australian Department of Health’s website – https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/flu-influenza

Other requirements to enter our Homes as per NSW Health
• Residents are permitted to have two (2) fully COVID vaccinated visitors aged 12 years and over, plus two (2) children aged under 12 years per day
• Visitors aged 12 years and over must have received a second dose of a COVID vaccination at least 14 days prior to their visit
• Visitors must have a negative Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) immediately prior to each visit onsite sighted by St Basil’s staff
• Up to 2 children under 12 years are permitted to visit provided they are accompanied by a person fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• All visitors must wear an N95 or P2 mask over their nose and mouth as well as a face shield, while visiting indoors. For reasons when masks can be removed please see Additional Advice – Mandatory mask wearing
• Visitors must be escorted to and from their allocated visiting space by staff, and visitors must not wander around to greet other residents.
• People who are providing a service to the resident (including a health or other professional service) are not counted as a visitor
• Existing requirements in the Public Health (COVID-19 Care Services) Order 2022 on visiting residents who are at end of life remain in place

Visitors must not enter a RACF at all if they:
• Have COVID-19 symptoms
• Have been exposed to COVID-19 unless they have completed their self-isolation and testing requirements. People who have had high risk exposures should not enter high risk settings for at least 14 days since their exposure to a COVID-positive person
• Are waiting for a COVID-19 test result
• Have been overseas in the previous 14 days, unless they are:

o Fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it has been at least 7 days after arrival and they have received a negative rapid antigen test 6 days or later after arriving in NSW

The health and safety of residents and our workers are at the heart of all that we do. Thank you for your patience and cooperation in keeping our workplace and residents safe through the winter season ahead.

We always welcome your feedback and are happy to discuss any queries you may have, so feel free to reach out the General Manager or Care Manager of our Homes.

Head office management can be reached on 02 9784 3200 or by email at admin@stbasils.org.au

Dear Residents and Families/Representatives,

 

Currently there is an increase in COVID-19 cases across Sydney which creates a higher risk to our residents and workforce. Due to this increased risk there are measures in place, as a precaution, to provide COVID safe connections between residents and their family or friends.

 

Requirements when visiting a resident

Visitors must not enter an aged care facility at all if they:

• have COVID-19 symptoms
• have been exposed to COVID-19 unless they have completed their self-isolation and testing requirements. People who have had high risk exposures should not enter high risk settings for at least 14 days since their exposure to a COVID-positive person.
• are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.
• have been overseas in the previous 14 days, unless they are:
  • fully vaccinated, it has been at least 7 days after arrival and they have received a negative rapid antigen test 6 days or later after arriving in NSW.

 

Visitor requirements:

• Visiting is by appointment only. Please contact our home to make a booking and wait for confirmation before attending the home.
• Up to two (2) fully vaccinated visitors aged 12 years and over, plus two children aged under 12 years, per resident, per day. Evidence of vaccination must be sighted by staff.
• All visitors must have a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) on-site prior to each visit so please allow up to 20 minutes for this prior to your booking time. The RAT kit will be provided by St Basil’s.
• Up to two (2) Children under twelve (12) years are permitted to visit provided they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated person. Babies and toddlers under 3 years of age should not wear a mask as it is a choking hazard.
• Wherever possible, the visit should be in an outdoor area. Visits should not be in any inside communal areas. All visitors must wear a surgical mask over their nose and mouth while visiting indoors. For reasons when masks can be removed please see Additional Advice – Mandatory mask wearing.
• People who are providing a service to the resident (including a health or other professional service) are not counted as a visitor.
• Existing requirements in the Public Health (COVID-19 Care Services) Order 2021 on visiting residents who are at end of life remain in place.
• Visitors are strongly encouraged to get a booster vaccine if they are eligible for one.

If you would like to visit a resident for compassionate reasons, please feel free to reach out to the Management team of the home where your loved one resides so we can ensure a compassionate and dignified journey no matter what your vaccination status is. We are happy to speak with you about the choices available.

RESIDENT SOCIAL OUTINGS

If you have any queries or needs for an outings please reach out to our home so they can conduct an initial risk assess in consultation with the resident and/or their representative. Subsequently you will be asked to complete an outing form and a declaration form.

Residents may leave the facility and attend family gatherings or for other reasons but must abide by the current Public Health (COVID-19 General) Order (No 2) 2021.

• Residents who return on the same day have a RAT on days 2, 4 and 7 after they return. If well, residents do not need to isolate. If they develop any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 they will immediately be isolated and have a RAT or PCR test.
• Residents who do not return the same day will be isolated until they have a negative PCR, (RAT if delays in PCR processing) the day of return with subsequent tests on day 3, 5 and 7 after they return.

Residents should not leave the facility if they have COVID-19 symptoms until they have had a RAT or PCR test and have received a negative result. Please be reminded that a resident should get a booster dose as soon as they are eligible for one.

Do you have questions?

If you have any queries or concerns, please reach out to your facility General Manager or Administrators who will be happy to speak with you.

Thank you for your support and cooperation while we care for your loved ones.

Με εκτίμηση,

Σπύρος Στάβης
Chief Executive Officer

Dear Residents and Families/Representatives,

Currently there is an increase in COVID-19 cases across Sydney which creates a higher risk to our residents and workforce. Due to this increased risk St Basil’s will only accept essential visitors as a precaution, until further notice.

 

Essential-visitor requirements when visiting a resident

We will not be accepting any non-essential visitors until further notice. Requests to visit must be pre-approved by the General Manager and will only be for essential reasons including compassionate grounds.

 

Approved essential visitors:

• must show evidence of a negative COVID test that’s no more than 48hrs old, PLUS
• must have a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) performed onsite with a negative result prior to entering our home.

The other existing requirements for visiting are also in place and will be provided to you during the visitor approval process.

 

What if you’re not an essential-visitor?

Speak with facility administrators and management to make other arrangements such as a window visit and/or an outdoor gated visit, by appointment where possible.

  

Resident social outings

Social outings are currently restricted for only essential reasons. If you have any queries or needs for an outings please reach out to our home so they can conduct an initial risk assess in consultation with the resident and/or their representative.

 

Do you have questions?

If you have any queries or concerns, please reach out to your facility General Manager or Administrators who will be happy to speak with you.

 

Thank you for your support and cooperation while we care for your loved ones.

 

Με εκτίμηση,

Σπύρος Στάβης
Chief Executive Officer

Dear Residents and Families/Representatives,

With the festive season upon us, I hope that you are well on your way to enjoying the festive season with family and friends.

 

During this season, it’s important that you are fully aware of the requirements that we have in place to keep residents and workers as safe as possible during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

New requirements when visiting a resident

The additional requirements when visiting our homes, during the festive season are that you:

 

• must show evidence of a negative COVID test that’s no more than 48hrs old, PLUS
• must have a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) performed onsite prior to entering our home, and

you should expect this to process to take up to 20 minutes.

 

The other existing requirements for visiting are also in place that you can read about further down.

 

What if you don’t have a negative test result to show us?

Speak with facility administrators and management to make other arrangements such as a window visit or an outdoor gated visit, by appointment.

 

 

 

Resident social outings

St Basil’s management will need to review your completed social outing form to conduct a risk assessment in consultation with the resident and/or their representative.

 

When leaving the facility, residents are required to adhere to public health orders as well as diligently follow COVID safe practices such as social distancing, mask wearing and good hand hygiene. Upon return, residents may be required to have a COVID PCR test performed and be prepared to isolate in their room until management receive the result.

Full details and the Resident Social Outing form can be found further down in this letter.

 

Below are all other requirements for visiting and outings during the festive season.

 

Residents are permitted to have two fully vaccinated visitors aged 12 years and over, plus two children aged under 12 years per day.

• Visitors aged 12 years and over must have received a second dose of a COVID vaccination at least 14 days prior to their visit
• Children under 12 years are permitted to visit provided they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated person
• Where visits include a child under 12 it is strongly recommended, where possible:
  • the visit is in an outdoor area
  • the child should wear a mask
  • the child should have Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) just before the visit
• Visits should not be in any inside communal areas. All visitors must wear a surgical mask while visiting indoors. For reasons when masks can be removed please see Additional Advice – Mandatory mask wearing.
• People who are providing a service to the resident (including a health or other professional service) are not counted in the number of visitors permitted.

 

  

The Minister has signed an exemption to the Public Health (COVID-19 Care Services) Order 2021 to allow more than 2 visitors per day for the purposes of visiting a resident who is at the end of life.

• The exemption is subject to the condition that the operator of the facility takes reasonable steps to ensure:
  • no more than 4 people (including children) visit at any one time
  • all visitors 12 years and over wear a mask while in an indoor area, unless the visitor is interacting with the resident they are visiting
  • there is minimal interaction between the visitors and the staff and other residents
• The visitors in this circumstance do not need to be vaccinated, however appropriate care must be taken if unvaccinated visitors are entering the facility. It is strongly recommended:
  • the visit is solely inside the resident’s room and
  • where possible, the visitors have Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) just before the visit.

Visitors must not enter an RACF at all if they:

• have COVID-19 symptoms
• are a close or casual contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 unless they have completed their self-isolation and testing requirements.
• are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.
• have been to an overseas country of concern in the last 14 days
• have been to other overseas countries (not of concern) in the previous 14 days, unless they are:
  • fully vaccinated and have received a negative COVID PCR test 7 days or later after arrival in NSW

 

Resident outings

Residents are permitted to leave the facility and attend family gatherings or for other reasons but must abide by the current Public Health (COVID-19 General) Order 2021.

Facilities must ensure that residents are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, infection control and mask wearing advice if they leave the facility. See the latest face mask rules.

If a person cannot wear a face mask because of a disability, physical or mental health illness or condition, they must carry either:

• a medical certificate or letter signed by a registered health practitioner (such as a doctor) or a registered NDIS provider or
• a statutory declaration.

Please read Additional Advice – Residents attending family gatherings or excursions.

 

Before going on an outing, the Resident Outing Risk Assessment Form must be completed by the resident or the responsible person taking the consumer on the outing.  Social outing may take place provided that it’s done in a COVID safe manner and you provide St Basil’s management with at least 24 hours’ notice. You must have evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result (from the within the last 48 hours of your visit) before taking your loved one on an outing.

 

Do you have questions?

If you have any queries or concerns, please reach out to your facility General Manager or Administrators who will be happy to guide you through the process over the festive season.

Thank you for your support during a year which has had its challenges, but we are proud that together we have created a better home and experiences for your loved one. We look forward to a great year ahead in 2022. I hope that the festive season is a joyous one and filled with creating wonderful memories with family and friends.

 

Με εκτίμηση,

Σπύρος Στάβης
Chief Executive Officer