16th March 2020
Introduction:
- By now we would have all heard of the government actions to ramp up measures against the coronavirus epidemic following new predictions that the UK could otherwise see 250,000 deaths.
- This epidemic is seen as the most serious respiratory virus since the Spanish Flu of 1918.
What are we doing at Bernash Care Home:
- Bernash has been at the forefront with putting actions in place compared to other care homes and we were the first Home in Bristol to restrict visitors. We did not wait on Bristol Council to consider the actions of neighbouring Local Authorities and follow suit; within a few hours we moved from restricting visiting to close members of the family, to applying a total ban on visitors visiting loved ones. It was this decision to be proactive and not reactivate that has provided an extra reassurance to staff, residents and families
- We erected notices at the entrance to the Home and circulated notices online to all concerned
- We cancelled all planned entertainment by outsiders and school children. Access is limited to professionals only
- We asked all deliveries to be dropped outside the door so that we have limited contacts with the delivery services who tend to go to many Care Homes and possibly spreading the virus
- Contractors on site have been postponed until further notice
- We are insistent on all our staff to apply universal precautions in all of their practices and wash their hands at least every 20 minutes
- We are monitoring the health of our staff on a daily basis. Staff know that they have to report to management if they show signs of the Covid-19 infection and they are refrained from coming to work after a period of isolation at home, supported by 111.
- We have implemented a daily deep cleaning practice in all communal areas. All frequently touched surfaces are cleaned rigorously
- Staff are advised to limit their contacts with the wider community, and essentially to walk or use independent transport (car or bike) rather than use public transport
- Staff are advised to cover their mouth and nose with a scarf when travelling off duty and going about their own business
- As a matter of precaution, staff are sent home as soon as they complain that they feel unwell at work
- We have decided to place any symptomatic resident in self isolation in their room as soon as they feel unwell, however this has not been required as yet
- We have one designated room for all healthcare professionals to see residents in, therefore limiting the amount of contact they have with other residents and staff. Professionals are advised to enter the Home and walk directly to this room and then exit the same way. They must not walk around the Home.
The result so far:
- Staff have been amazing, always putting the needs of the residents first
- Reports show that staff absence has been minimal with only 2 staff members needing to self- isolate for 14 days
- Goodwill has prevailed and staff have volunteered to provide cover for each other
- We have experienced no shortage in our food chain supplies or in the procuring of personal protective equipment, such as gloves and aprons. However, Public Health England have advised that there will be a free support of PPE to support Adult Social Care Providers from the Pandemic Influenza stockpile
- Staff are using new PPE for each episode of care intervention and discarding all clinical waste appropriately
- As yet no resident has acquired the Covid-19 infection, and we pray that they will all be kept safe, well and asymptomatic whilst we all brave ourselves through this difficult period of uncertainty
Plan:
- I endeavour to send regular updates as the situation improves or deteriorates. Thank you for being cognisant and understanding
Best wishes,
Ryan Somauroo (Director)