Changes to visiting and testing guidelines - 4th April 2022



On 31^st March 2022 the Government released new guidelines to support care homes as we learn to live safely with Covid-19. We welcome these changes in guidance and the key changes to our policies are set out below. The guidance came into effect from Monday 4^th April 2022.

Amendments to our visiting policy to reflect the Government guidance:

·        No restrictions on visiting, unless the home is in outbreak – and in this situation, residents can continue to have one visitor who can visit in all circumstances

·        Visitors will no longer have to undertake lateral flow testing before visiting. Only visitors providing personal care should test before visiting. They will not need to test more than twice a week.

·        All visitors will need to continue to complete questions about whether they have symptoms of Covid-19 and undertake a temperature test during the digital sign in process. Visitors will not be permitted who have symptoms of Covid-19.

·        All visitors will need to continue to wear a fluid repellent surgical mask during their visit (supplied by us).

·        Visits can take place in bedrooms and communal areas of our homes.

Residents will no longer be tested unless they have symptoms of Covid-19 and our staff will continue to undertake regular testing and adhere to stringent infection control in line with Government guidance.

These changes in guidelines finally allow us all more freedom and relaxation in our care homes, which we have all wanted for such a long time. A full of copy of our Covid-19 policies is available on request from our homes.

We would like to take this opportunity to say how proud we are of all our dedicated staff who have found themselves on the front-line providing care to all our residents. Our staff have supported colleagues, residents and visitors who have been affected during the pandemic, particularly with the difficulty of maintaining safe visiting systems, keeping up to date with the frequent changing guidance and isolation requirements.

We remain committed as always to keeping people safe. The safety and wellbeing of our residents, visitors and staff will always be our number one priority. We thank everyone for their continued hard work, patience, understanding, support and cooperation.