Update from The Old Rectory
The Geoghegan Group Coronavirus Strategy Statement For The Old Rectory
At The Old Rectory we take prevention and control of infection very seriously and in order to protect our staff, residents and visitors we have taken extra precautions at this time.
Our staff are all trained and knowledgeable about infection prevention and control and we have special policies we follow to help keep everyone safe.
On arrival to work our staff enter by only one entrance in order to reduce footfall in the corridors. They then have their temperature taken and anyone with a high temperature returns home to self isolate and arrange a Coronavirus test.
Our staff perform 3 Covid-19 tests per week, these are 2 lateral flow tests and 1 PCR test. Any staff having positive test results isolate at home in line with government policy.
Our staff wash their hands and use hand sanitiser on arrival for their shift and regularly throughout the day. On arrival to work they change into their work uniform and put on the regulation Personal Protection Equipment (gloves, apron and face mask), which is designed to protect them and everyone around them.
The clinical team work very closely with Public Health England and follow all national Coronavirus policies and procedures.
Staff ensure they maintain Social Distance guidelines wherever possible and practical while carrying out their duties and they will be mindful of this at all times.
Our Housekeeping and Catering teams follow cleaning guidance very strictly in order to help with prevention and control of infection. We use dedicated deep cleaning equipment as appropriate and our cleaning regimes are maintained at all times.
Any new residents are screened on arrival and must have received a negative Covid-19 test before being allowed in the building. Any patient with a high temperature or showing any signs of developing symptoms of Coronavirus will be kept safely in their rooms while we arrange for clinical consultation for them and any necessary diagnostic testing to help find out the cause of their symptoms. The Old Rectory has Coronavirus testing available for residents and can be requested at any time.
Visitors
All visitors are now able to visit residents in their bedrooms or a communal area if they prefer.
All visitors will have to undergo a Covid-19 lateral flow test prior to entering the building and need negative results. Lateral flow tests can be performed on-site prior to visiting; however visitors need to be aware that they will need to wait outside of the building while the test is processed and it takes 30 minutes for test results.
These lateral flow tests can also be done by visitors at home if they applying for home testing via the NHS self test online request: 2 rapid tests per week (one every 3-4 days) need to be performed
Responsible Visitor Code
Visitors agree to help staff to keep the residents safe by agreeing to:
- book visits in advance for a specific day, time and length of visit
- be free of any COVID-19 symptoms for at least 10 days prior to the visit, as per Government guidance
- not be unwell on the day of their visits
- not be self-isolating as a result of advice from NHS Test and trace
- provide the necessary information required by the provider at the visits (e.g. honest response to screening requirements about COVID-19 risk factors, compliance with NHS Test and Trace arrangements)
- comply with the infection prevention and control measures, including a temperature test, mandatory hand hygiene, the use of PPE as required and social distancing requirements, remaining in the designated visiting area
- ensure that any gifts brought to give to the individual they are visiting can be sanitised, in line with relevant infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance
Thank you for your help and support in keeping our residents and staff as safe as possible during this time.