Dear residents, families and friends,
The well-being of all our residents and staff is always our top priority.
Aged residential care remains New Zealand’s most vulnerable group to contracting COVID-19 and we all have seen the devastation that happens when one person in a facility contracts this virus here and overseas.
The Ministry of Health has advised that all aged residential care facilities are to remain locked down as if we are in alert level 4, during Auckland’s alert level 3.
As we come to the end of the first week back in alert level 3 restrictions, I thought I would advise you all of what is happening here and what we are doing to keep everyone safe.
We’ve been here before, so when the level 3 lockdown was announced we immediately started our previous proven hygiene procedures for the facility and staff.
Rest assured, all staff have very strict protocols and procedures to adhere to and the wearing of masks within the facility is mandatory.
The team at Ambridge Rose is meeting regularly and reviewing our response to any new information as it becomes available.
We want to reassure you all that our Management Team is taking every step to ensure your loved ones and our staff are protected to the best of our ability.
Wearing masks, good effective hand hygiene and regular surface cleaning remains the most effective way to minimise the risk of this virus spreading.
Linda and I must protect our facility “bubble” and as hard as it is to deny access to your loved ones, we must continue to take every step to keep everyone safe.
A few friendly reminders:
Can I visit an Ambridge Rose facility?
No, at present there are no general family visits allowed under alert level 3, due to increased risk for residents and staff.
However, family visits for end of life/palliative care residents are allowed, but this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, subject to public health direction and our provider assessment.
These visits must be by pre-arranged appointment only and with a maximum of one family member visiting at one time.
If your visit is allowed, it is important to follow our very strict alert level 4 precautions such as good hand hygiene, wearing of PPE and physical distancing of two metres.
Can I send care packages for residents at Ambridge Rose?
No, sorry we are not accepting any non-essential care package deliveries due to the risk of surface contamination.
Now is not the time to drop our guard and the measures that we have put in place are for the benefit our residents and staff.
How can I keep in touch?
We know how isolating it can be for your loved ones, so please make use of the technology we have available (phone calls, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom etc..) to keep in regular contact with your loved ones.
We fully understand this will be tough on all family members, but I’m asking you all to please respect the above conditions.
When it is announced that we are moving to level 2, we will provide a further update on potentials visits, etc.
In the meantime, stay safe and please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Kind regards
ALLAN SARGEANT
OWNER / CEO