As of this morning, cases continue to spread across the country. There are now small numbers of confirmed cases of COVID 19 in Albury, Mulwala, Yarrawonga, Shepparton and Echuca.
At the time of writing this, there continues to be no cases of COVID 19 or other similar illnesses in Finley Regional Care.
We are constantly monitoring the situation and currently only the following restrictions apply.
Restrictions on entry into Finley Regional Care (all visitors, staff, contractors, family and representatives)
Based on the latest advice from the Governments Chief Medical Advisor, Finley Regional Care – Nursing Home remains at its Stage 1B visitor restrictions.
These restrictions are imposed by the government and we are required to follow them.
The following people will not be permitted entry to the nursing home:
- People who have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19
- People who have returned from overseas in the last 14 days
- People who have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- A contact is defined as anyone who has been in contact with a known case, including the 24 hours before the case became symptomatic.
- People with fever (>37.5c) and symptoms of acute respiratory infection (e.g. cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath) • Those who have not been vaccinated against influenza (after 1st May 2020).
- Children aged 16 years and under
Visitors who are not excluded by this criterion will be subject to the following conditions:
- Visits will be restricted and only permitted from Monday to Friday – 10am till 4pm.
- All visitors must sign in at the Administration desk and agree to the current conditions
- All visitors, contractors, volunteers and staff will be screened for temperature and risk factors which may prevent the attendance if positive.
- Visitors are restricted to no longer than 1 hour and 2 persons at a time, once a day, and must be in the resident’s room or designated area (Outdoor courtyards – small lounges)
- Exceptional circumstances (Hardship or Palliative Care) will be considered on a case by case scenario and only with approval from the Executive. These visitors will be known as Authorised visitors.
- Authorised Visitors will have a name tag identifying them as “Authorised” visitors with an executive staff members name and signature.
For all staff, residents, contractors, vistors family (essentially everyone on site)
- Social Distancing is to be adhered to at all times – Stay apart from each other a minimum of 1.5 meters.
- Cover your sneezing and coughing following cough etiquette (using you forearm or elbow)
- Use tissues and dispose of after use
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or hand rub. Soap and water is the best.
- Clean surfaces regularly.
Lifestyle, Activities and Volunteers
We continue to offer activities tailored by the restrictions listed earlier. Volunteers are still encouraged to participate due to the increase in smaller groups and 1:1 interaction. Like all others they are subject to the screening criteria.
Hairdressing
Hairdressing will continue, but in a modified way. The social distancing rules apply and the appointments are capped at 30 minutes.
Alternatives to visiting face to face will be facilitated through Administration and the Lifestyle team:
- Times will match visiting hours ie. 10am till 4pm Monday to Friday
- To book an allocated time please phone Finley Regional Care (03) 5883 9600 and speak with Administration.
- Options include telephone and videoconferencing hook up.
Communication
Primary source:
- These Finley Regional Care COVID – 19 Updates
- Text messaging
- FRC Web site: www.finleyregionalcare.com.au
- Official Government Websites,
- Department of Health: www.health.gov.au
- NSW Health: www.health.nsw.gov.au
- Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network: www.mphn.org.au
Secondary:
- Resident & Representative Meetings – these are currently being reviewed and restructured. They will include video conferencing functions
Other:
- FRC Facebook
Supplies & Resources
Finley Regional Care continues to be supplied with required supplies of Personal Protective Equipment and other required items. As the Pandemic continues, we are being supported by state and federal government agencies to maintain these supplies as an essential service.
Non-Essential Appointments
All non-essential appointments, elective operations and procedures are likely to be cancelled as the respective services go into their own closure period. For more information speak with the Registered Nurse or Team Leaders. Allied Health services will continue as usual.
