We were one of the first  care homes to go into total lockdown on 16 March 2020 before WG enforced lockdown measures came into force and imported Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to protect our residents and staff from the first wave when PPE availability was scarce in Wales. We continue to operate with enhanced health and safety  and infection prevention measures in place.

Visiting Professionals

District Nurses, Doctors and other health professionals may enter the premises upon production of their ID and wearing your own appropriate PPE. We will provide disposable shoe covering and any additional PPE as required. Please ensure staff escort you to see your patient/resident by the shortest route possible to minimise contact with others. 

Easing the Lockdown – Family Visit in Garden by Appointments

We recognise the impact total lockdown can have on the mental health and well-being of residents who only see the staff and even then with visors and masks which are likely to have a psychological effect on visual imagery and thought pattern. We have therefore planned controlled family visits by appointment. Further details, updates and terms for restricted visiting are being communicated to all family members and made available separately. Visiting inside the home at present will only be considered and permitted under special circumstances (e.g. end of life care) with additional precautions.

We therefore require your cooperation, assistance and compliance with our policy and procedures which are aimed at minimising the risks of the virus being brought in or spreading through Brightside and beyond. We ask your strict observance at all times.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

1. ALCO-GEL: Please use alco-gel provided at the front door, designated visiting area or your own hand sanitiser upon entering and leaving the premises.
2. CHILDREN: Children and toddlers are not permitted to the care home for the time being. Children may be more resilient than older adults but many scientists consider that children may be helping to amplify transmission and a source for other simple viral infections such as common cold and flu which our residents can ill afford. There is no concrete evidence to support this notion but in our quest to minimise the spread of the virus and reduce risks we ask for your cooperation. This will be reviewed and updated as we transit from the Government’s “containment” to “eradication” phase.
3. SYMPTOMS: If you have high temperature (fever), cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, loss or reduction of sense of smell and taste please avoid visiting the care home and dial 111 to seek further advice. These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have the illness but a precautionary measure to minimise the risk of spreading.
4. PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE): Always wear masks, face shields and other items supplied by us during the visit for your own protection as well as the protection of our residents and staff.

HOW WE ENSURE BUSINESS CONTINUITY IN THE WAKE OF CORONAVIRUS:

• We have issued all employees with guidelines on how to recognise symptoms, and how to maintain robust infection control practices. We have also reiterated the Government’s advice to remain isolated at home and obtain advice from 111, should they experience symptoms. We will continue to monitor for any updates and relay regular messages to our workforce accordingly.
• We have a good compliment of staff team who know the residents and their families well. We will endeavour to avoid using agency staff as far as possible to minimise risks of contaminating the home.
• We have begun issuing tailored virus prevention training modules to all staff. Upon completion, staff will be tested to ensure they are all aware of best practices.
• Visiting Family Members and Friends will only be permitted to visit if they self-certify to confirm adherence to our strict terms and control protocols.

This requirement does not apply to visiting professionals who are required to observe their own protocols and safer working practices.

• We continue to encourage use of Skype or Facetime video chat facilities to supplement or reduce the need for face-to-face meetings.
• In the event of an outbreak at the home, we will take appropriate measures in consultation with Public Health Wales and visiting will be suspended.

We request that we work together to protect our workforces and the people in our care. Please inform us immediately should you have come across anyone diagnosed with Covid-19 or has coronavirus symptoms, undergoing quarantine, or self-isolating.

This continues to be a challenging time for us all. We assure you that if we all work together diligently to minimise the risks, we can contribute towards minimising the spread and the eradication of the virus whilst the Government and scientists pursue to find a solution.

DO's

• wash your hands with soap and warm water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

DONT's

• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Should you have any queries or concerns, please contact: