Coronavirus Update, 2023
It has been an extremely testing time for the world as we faced a global Pandemic. Here at Bayswood Care Group, we followed strict government guidelines throughout, to ensure our residents and of course, our staff, were kept as safe as possible.
The threat still remains, and we continue to follow all guidelines, although visiting restrictions and the ability for residents to now go out have been relaxed in recent months.
For any new residents joining us at this time, they must take both of the following:
a PCR test within the 72 hours before they’re admitted (or a lateral flow test if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days)
a lateral flow test on the day of admission (day 0)
These tests should be provided by the care home if the individual is being admitted from the community. These tests will be provided by the hospital if the individual is being discharged into the care home.
We have hand sanitising stations in and around our homes. Our staff are fully equipped with PPE where government guidelines dictate, and are to wash their hands immediately after any contact with an individual. We require staff to take a lateral flow test as soon as possible if they have either:
symptoms of a respiratory infection and have a high temperature
symptoms of a respiratory infection and they do not feel well enough to attend work
Visitors are now encouraged to visit our residents - We understand the importance that now more than ever, of having friends and family around us. Visitors should not enter the care home if they are feeling unwell, even if they have tested negative for COVID-19, are fully vaccinated and have received their booster. Transmissible viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus can be just as dangerous to care home residents as COVID-19. If visitors have symptoms that suggest COVID-19, they should avoid the care home until at least 5 days after they feel better. For other suspected or confirmed infections follow advice specific to that infection.
Thankfully, the government's immunisation programme has been working and we encourage everyone to get their anti-virus jabs, unless advised otherwise by medical professionals.
At the time of going to press with this article, we are currently following the government’s guidance updated 22nd December 2022, and will continue to follow all supplementary guidance published thereafter.
Footnote - Cartoon COVID-19 character reproduced with the kind permission of Kelly Farrington and Tim Wells, from their book, ‘Life in Lockdown’ available on Amazon.