Information regarding the Coronavirus update as of Wednesday 18th March 2020:
This week, the UK has moved from “contain” to the “delay” phase in its fight against the spread of the coronavirus outbreak and to ensure St Michaels is complying with the Public Health authorities’ recommendations, we have therefore reviewed our earlier announced visiting restrictions.
During the ‘delay’ phase, social distancing tactics are used to try to prevent accelerated transmission and as part of this, the Government has stated it will announce measures for people in at-risk groups to stay at home for 12 weeks, starting this weekend. The people considered to be in the at-risk groups include pregnant women; people aged over 70 and those with underlying health conditions. As the majority of our residents fit into two of these three categories; we have revised our visitation policy accordingly, in order to ensure we keep all our residents and staff as safe as possible.
WE ARE THEREFORE ASKING VISITORS, INCLUDING FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS, TO REFRAIN FROM VISITING OUR CARE HOME UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. TO ENSURE THAT WE KEEP OUR RESIDENTS SAFE, AND THAT OUR STAFF ARE SUPPORTED TO CONTINUE TO DELIVER GREAT CARE.
We have not taken this decision lightly, and appreciate that this may cause some discomfort, but feel that this is a necessary step to take. If there is an unexpected situation that you believe may require a visit, we would ask that you discuss and agree this with Jacky our Home Manager or Dawn our Deputy Manager prior to your arrival.
These new visitation restrictions are being taken in addition to those announced earlier, which included the cancellation of all non-essential visits from the local community and external entertainment for the foreseeable future. Our staff will do all they can to ensure that life in our services remains as comfortable and sociable as possible. We will still ensure that vital medical visits are made, and will be sure that only essential visitors who are not displaying symptoms come in, and that they wash their hands on entering.
We would really appreciate your support with these measures, and please be reassured that our priority throughout this period is to ensure that we keep our residents safe, and that our staff are supported to continue to deliver great care.
Please be assured that we will contact you if we have any concerns regarding your relative/friend. We are mindful that you may feel anxious but do respectfully ask that you keep phone calls to a minimum and emails would be our preferred line of contact as we wish to keep our phone lines relatively free.
We are in the process of arranging devices to enable Skype facilities.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Jacky our Home Manager or Dawn our Deputy Manager
