COVID 19 – OUR RESPONSE
We are following the latest advice and guidance relating to the global spread of COVID-19, formerly known as Coronavirus. We have robust procedures in place and our first and foremost priority is the health and wellbeing of our service users and our staff.
We are all collectively working hard to minimise risks and to ensure we are well-prepared for the obstacles COVID-19 may present for us as a social care provider. We are closely monitoring and adhering to guidance from Public Health England’s official guidance.
We have business continuity plans in place for every service that will support the uninterrupted delivery of care and support should this be the case.
At the moment our service delivery continues as normal, however as we respond to the latest advice and guidance we may have to consider making some changes to the way our services operate, such as the activities the people we support undertake or imposing restrictions on non-essential visitors to our services. If we feel this is unavoidable, we will inform you.
We are encouraging our service users to practice social distancing to try to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus, although we will consider the best interests of the people we support in all instances.
Visiting Our Services:
We are now asking people to consider whether their visit is absolutely necessary and to call in advance of their visit if possible, to get the latest updates. We will continue to liaise with all health and social care professionals whose visits to our services are essential. Where it isn’t essential for visitors to enter our services, there will be restrictions in place. It may be necessary for us to have contractors on site so ensure the health and safety of our homes, we will consider the necessity of this on a case by case basis.
If you think you have symptoms, or a member of your household has symptoms, you will need to self-isolate. Please visit the gov.uk website for more information of self-isolation periods, and what to do when self-isolating.
If you do pay a visit to one of our services, please be prepared for enhanced infection control procedures, including, but not limited to:
• Handwashing on arrival, regularly during your visit, and before you leave
• Health screening, possibly leading to refused entry for those showing symptoms of COVID-19
You should also try to come prepared with tissues to catch, bin and kill any germs from sneezes/coughs during your visit.
Team Members:
We know that we are extremely lucky to have wonderful staff working in our services. We have been proud to see in our staff, such caring attitudes and unfailing commitment to providing the very best care to the people we support. We are grateful that even in these times of worry and uncertainty, staff continue to come to work cheerful, smiling and ready to meet the needs of our service users. We know that our staff, even on their days off have continued to remember the needs of service users and consider what they can do to help. We hope that all of our staff (and their families and loved ones) remain fit and well and we remain committed to supporting them as needed.