COVID -19 Pandemic Update.
As you will all be aware, the recent outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a Pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes are at a higher risk.
At River Garden Care we appreciate that the service we provide to our clients is essential and many clients depend upon us for their welfare and well-being. We would like to assure you that we have a robust Business Continuity Plan in place to continue the service we provide until the pandemic passes.
As with other UK health and care providers, we are being provided updates and guidance from Public Health England, Department of Health, NHS, CQC and Bromley Social Services.
Our objective is to minimise the service disruption to our clients, however, there may be some aspects of the service which may be impacted in the short term. This may include:
– Amendments to the timings and duration of care visits. However, we will ensure that clients with time critical medication or welfare needs are prioritized.
– Instances where a carer that does not regularly attend to you visits you. However, we will ensure carers have full knowledge of your care needs beforehand and are competent to undertake your full care needs.
– Some non-essential visits, such as domestic chores or cleaning, to be lower priority and possibly rearranged
– Combining care visits, when needed and appropriate. e.g. lunch and tea.
Any amendments to the service that may be required, will be discussed with our clients and their families beforehand so that you are aware in advance and any impact can assessed in consultation.
Stay safe and safe positive.
The latest government advice has suggested that up to 1/5 of the UK workforce may need to take time off work, so our preparations have been based with worst case scenario in mind.
However, we are hopeful that the spread of the virus will be contained and any impact on your service will be kept to a minimum.
Our care staff are fully trained and competent on infection control protocols. We take all necessary precautions to keep our staff and clients safe.
Reminders have been sent to the care staff on the importance of strictly following the protocols.
Our practical infection control techniques include:
– Care staff washing their hands with soap and water before they start caring for you and at the end of the care visit
– Care staff wearing Latex gloves which are securely disposed of after every use
– The use of PPE equipment including aprons and shoe covers
– Use of anti-bacterial hand gel
– Some care staff may cover their face whilst providing personal care, this may be with a mask or other facial covering. Please do not be alarmed.
Care staff who are ill or show signs of symptoms will be told to self-isolate in accordance to medical advice that is given to them. Likewise, care staff that have been to high risk regions or countries, will be required to self-isolate for a period of time before being allowed to return to work.
Likewise, we would request that any clients or family members that are ill or show signs of the symptoms to please call NHS111 or your GP in the first instance. If you are required to self-isolate, please do make us aware immediately.
The pandemic has created an unprecedented situation for all of us, and we know you may be anxious. We will keep regular communication with you, but you are welcome to contact the office team anytime, we are here to help. Please let us know if there is anything extra we can do to help you, for example your shopping, we will do anything possible to support you during this time.
Stay safe and safe positive. Thank you.