omicron Archives - Springdene

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Springdene Newsletter December 20, 2021

Omicron latest

We promised that we would update you on the latest situation regarding the Omicron variant of Covid-19. As you know it is spreading widely throughout the population and it is affecting us at Springdene, too.

We have unfortunately had outbreaks among staff at all three homes, and although the infection affects only a few, it means that under Department of Health and Social Care rules we must change visiting arrangements. Thankfully, no residents have been infected so far, and we wish to keep it that way.

At Spring Lane and Springview visiting will only be available in the outside gazebos, which are heated and which we will make as comfortable as possible. At Spring Grove, sadly, this option will not be available because the architecture of the building does not allow access to the outside without passing through the building. We are sorry that visiting will not be possible here.

However, you will also be able to “visit” through the windows and to make a face-to-face call online through the tablet devices we have available.

We also know that many of you had planned to take your loved ones out over the Christmas period. Following the rules, we strongly advise you against this, so as to avoid spread to the community. We know that some of you were planning to take your relative out over Christmas, whether it was during the day, or overnight, but if they were to become symptomatic whilst in your care, they would then need to quarantine in your residence for the fourteen-day period, unless they are confirmed covid negative as we do not want the risk of knowingly bringing the virus into the home.

Please be assured that for residents staying within the homes, we promise a wonderful time. There will be fantastic activities, thanks to our devoted managers, Lori, Sony and Tamas. And a wonderful Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.

We are sorry to bring you this news over the festive period. It is as distressing for us as it is for you. We have worked very hard to keep infection out of the home and we know you will cooperate with us. If the situation changes, we promise to bring you the latest news as soon as possible.

Springdene Newsletter December 16, 2021

Latest rules regarding the new Omicron variant

EVERY one of you be aware, after all the news in the media over the past few days, of the seriousness of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, which is spreading fast through the population.

Now ministers have brought in new rules to protect the residents of care homes. From this week, the Department of Health and Social Care have announced that care home residents will be allowed three visitors in all, who must be nominated in advance. An additional “essential care-giver” will also be permitted

In addition, there will be more precautions for residents visiting family and friends outside the home. Fully vaccinated residents will be asked to take a lateral flow test on alternate days for two weeks after each outing, while those not vaccinated will have to isolate in their rooms for 14 days after returning.

This will affect our Springdene homes in different ways. Because, unfortunately, a small number of staff at Springview have tested positive, there will be no indoor visiting at the home. Visits will have to take place in the outdoor gazebo, in which heating will be provided. Nor will families at Springview be permitted take their loved ones out – in order to avoid bringing infection back into the home. Visiting at Spring Grove and Spring Lane will be under the government’s new rules.

You can help us over this Christmas period in several ways. First, please make sure we know who your nominated visitors are. Second, if at Spring Grove or Spring Lane, please inform us well in advance if you are planning to take your loved ones out of the home for lunch or other reasons. It is sensible to make sure that family and other gatherings are restricted to a small size. You may wish to avoid taking them out at all.

You can assist us, too, by taking your lateral flow tests at home before you come to our homes. You can record them on the NHS app or bring in a photograph of the completed test with the date on.

With Omicron, we are in a fast-moving situation and if any of this changes, we’ll let you know straight away. In the meantime, from all of us at Springdene, we wish you the best possible Christmas!