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Coronavirus Update – September 2021

IMPORTANT CORONAVIRUS UPDATE FOR VISITORS TO BIRTLEY HOUSE

As we move from Summer into Autumn, we continue to reflect on how far we have come over the last 19 months. Further to our previous blogs and online communications with you all, we wanted to assure you that we continue to review the situation daily, considering all new information and making changes where necessary risk assessing all accordingly.
Since June 2020, we have been enabling visits from residents family members, and loved ones, and up to this point we have facilitated close to 2,500 visits!


Given the change in season we predict that the vast majority of visits will be indoors only and we continue to offer these Covid-safe visits in our designated visiting areas or in-room, where necessitated by an individual resident’s specific needs. This person-centred approach has allowed us to continue with our way of life here at Birtley as normal as possible.


New Resident Admissions
We are pleased to be able to continue admitting new residents safely. For residents coming to us from hospital, a 14-day ‘isolation’ policy remains, as per government and Public Health England (PHE) guidance. This policy is of course in place to protect both our residents and our staff. For those residents admitted from the community the need to isolate for 14 days is not required provided certain criteria are satisfied, including an enhanced testing regime. For more information on our admissions policy, please contact one of our team who will be more than happy to discuss this with you.


The ‘Birtley Buzz’
We continue in our concerted efforts to ‘Keep calm and carry on’ at Birtley. We are fortunate to have a lot of space in the house and grounds where we can come together for activities and get-togethers at every opportunity, as well as providing holistically meaningful one-on-one support to our residents.


We continue to fully embrace technology to maintain connections via Zoom, FaceTime, or other similar means for those families who cannot visit in person. Connections, whether in person or virtual continue to be incredibly important and must be sustained.


We continue to be vigilant
Our primary concern at Birtley House and Mews is the welfare of our residents and staff and the reduction of the risk of contraction and spread of Coronavirus. Regular weekly testing continues for staff members with residents tested every 28 days at present.
Seasonal flu vaccinations will be administered in the coming weeks. We are awaiting news on the plan for Covid booster vaccinations for residents.


In other related matters, in the event of staff shortage, we have also successfully recruited extra staff, to ensure we are ready should a more serious situation present itself within the home. Other jobs do frequently continue to pop up, therefore, please head to our care home job opportunities page for more information.


We thank you for your continued understanding to date and we very much appreciate all the support we have received from family members and residents.


Sylwia Indycka, Registered Manager