The new testing guidance for Covid 19 has been paused and is no longer mandatory- as you might have seen on the news. This means that visitors do not need to test anymore before they come in as off 31st August 2022. The government will no longer provide LFD tests.
Please see below our new visiting policy:
- We will no longer have a visiting system in place but rather introduce a new concept: “visit freely between 10am and 4pm from Monday till Friday” policy.
- To visit freely between 10am and 4pm, we ask our visitors to ring the main door, ie using the conservatory, as we will need to fill in the visiting book on arrival and when the visitor leaves in the event of a fire or other emergency.
- We will still ask visitors to book after 4pm during the week and at the weekend. Booking slots after 4pm and at the weekend will remain 10am, 11am, 2.15pm and 4.15pm but won’t be limited in terms of how many visitors will be coming in.
- Whilst visitors can come in freely between 10am and 4pm during the week, we feel it would be better if mealtimes were to be “protected”. So Protected mealtimes will take place between 12 and 1.15pm. Also please be aware that ‘morning shift into afternoon’ staff handover takes place between 1.50pm and 2.10pm.
- It is no longer mandatory to be tested for Covid unless you are symptomatic. Our residents’ immunity is going to take a while to build back up. Therefore, we will ask our visitors to please use their own judgement and be sensible: if they feel unwell, or even with a sniffle, we will ask them to refrain from visiting the home. Residents in care homes are extremely vulnerable and any Infection could put their life at risk. We also have the extra challenge to look after our members of staff to the best of our ability.
- The only efficient barrier we now have is to encourage visitors to use a new face mask and wash their hands or use hand gel on arrival. Therefore, a fresh mask should be worn at all times in corridors, lifts and rooms. Visitors are welcome to take the face mask off when having a drink or eating in their relative’s room.
- Visits will be encouraged to take place in residents’ room or our Harbour Cuppa Café but not in the residents’ lounges – yet. Visits can also take place in the garden whilst the weather is pleasant.
- We strongly encourage families to inform us when they want to take their relative out so that they are ready to go out. Please call or email us and let us know as this will reduce the waiting time.
- We will no longer use the Risk Assessment form.
- Please be aware that the above could change if we were to be in a Covid Outbreak situation. If this was the case, we would inform families immediately.
To recap, visitors will be asked to please:
- Ring the bell by the conservatory for us to let them in.
- Wash hands and put on a fresh face mask.
- A member of staff will sign in the visiting book and direct the visitor to their relative’s room.
- A member of staff will sign out the visiting book once the visit is finished and let the visitor out
- Please be mindful of Protected Mealtimes between 12 and 1.15pm
- Enjoy your visit!!
