Living With COVID and Other Infectious Diseases: Relaxation of Restrictions

The frail and aged community are highly vulnerable to infectious diseases including COVID-19 and Influenza, and everyone is responsible for helping to minimise the risk of infection.

Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our residents and staff.

While we have relaxed restrictions on entry to Pam Corker House, we remain vigilant, and Quambie Park Management reserves the right to reintroduce restrictions in response to any viral spread within the facility.

Pam Corker House Entry Provisions: Effective 22 February 2024

 

Surgical Masks

The wearing of surgical masks is optional but recommended for all Staff, Visitors, and Contractors. Masks remain the best defence against infection. They will continue to be provided to all who want to wear one.

In the event of an outbreak, visitors and staff will be required to wear a surgical mask.

 

COVID and Influenza Vaccinations

COVID

It is strongly recommended that everyone visiting or working in an Aged Care Facility be vaccinated against COVID-19, but it is no longer mandated by State Health or Quambie Park.

Influenza 

Staff
A current (12 months or less) Influenza Vaccination is a mandatory requirement for all Quambie Park Staff.

Visitors
It is strongly recommended that everyone visiting an Aged Care Facility be vaccinated against Influenza, but it is no longer mandated by State Health or Quambie Park.

 

Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT)

Visitors must provide evidence of a negative RAT prior to visiting the facility.

It is vitally important that all visitors and staff continue to monitor for symptoms.

Visitors and staff must not enter if experiencing cold or flu symptoms such as a cough, fever, sore throat or runny nose.

RATs will continue to be provided if required.

 

Close Contact

You are generally a close contact if you are living with someone who has COVID-19, or you have spent a lot of time indoors with someone who has COVID-19.

Visitors and staff who have been a close contact in the past seven (7) days must wear a P2/N95 mask while at the facility.

Staff who have been a close contact must perform a RAT before every shift for at least 7 days.

 

Visitors

Visitation access remains via the Main Entry only.

All visitors must sign into Pam Corker House via our electronic lobby tracker. As a part of this process visitors will need to confirm they:

  • Have not been informed of being in close contact with a person or persons who have been a confirmed or suspected case of COVID or Influenza within the past 7 days.
  • Have not been in contact with or caring for someone who is currently unwell.
  • Are not currently or within the last 7 days been unwell or been aware of any unusual symptoms including fever, night sweats/chills, cough, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, or gastro.

 

Visitors will also need to:

  • Wash hands regularly while in the facility.

 

Visitor Numbers

No limits are placed on the number of visitors a resident may have at one time, or on the number of visits they may have in a day. We do request that you exercise discretion.

 

Visiting Times

While we welcome visitors 7 days a week, we encourage you to call beforehand on weekends.  Our preferred visiting times are between 9.00am – 3.00pm.

Avoidance of entering at mealtimes is desirable.

 

Visitor Access Within the Facility

Visits to resident rooms are preferred but visits to other areas of the facility can be approved if convenient to other Residents. We suggest visiting in outside areas if the weather is appropriate.

 

Visitor Access in Event of an Outbreak

In the event of an outbreak (such as COVID or Gastro), we may have to implement safety measures. These may include restricting the number of visitors allowed per resident, social distancing, and exclusion of visitors from common areas such as the lounge room.

 

Staying In Contact in the Event of an Outbreak

All residents and their family/ friends will continue to be assisted and encouraged to stay in contact. This will be facilitated by the following:

  • Contact the Facility to enquire about the resident. Extra staff will be available to receive your enquiry and pass on information as appropriate.
  • Additional telephones will be available for our staff to provide direct conversation with loved ones.
  • Video Chat links can be offered that will enable direct video, audio, or text contact by arrangement. App installation information will be provided on request.
  • We will naturally continue to maintain communication with resident primary contacts in the event of any matters arising in relation to their health status or as they request.
  • We will continue to review our communication methods.
Quambie Park