Covid 19 Outbreak – Message from Chair of the Trustees
I hope everyone is doing as well as possible given the current transmission of Covid-19 and the increase in the positive rates across Tynedale. I also hope that you managed some Christmas celebrations this year, despite the rise in cases in this area.
It is with great sadness that I need to report a further outbreak in Charlotte Straker House, which is currently affecting staff and residents. Despite the rigorous infection control measures that we have put in place, we have unfortunately seen positive results from our current testing programme.
Due to the number of Covid positive staff and residents, on 25th December we officially declared an outbreak. As a result, our care home immediately closed to visitors and essential care givers. We recognise how important it is to have both visiting and care support in place and following confirmed results from our initial testing we will reinstate controlled visiting arrangements. We will ensure families and staff are kept updated
As you can imagine having a further outbreak has had a challenging impact on the residents and on our staff. We are concerned that given the rapid transmission of this variant it will quickly spread across our work force meaning that individuals will need to take a minimum of 7 days isolation, which will impact staffing levels. We are therefore doing whatever we can to ensure we have the cover required to provide the expected level of care to our residents.
We have re-implemented our isolation wing with the aim of protecting our residents and we will have dedicated staff to support this area.
Please remember that if you are visiting a relative at Charlotte Straker House, you will need proof of a negative lateral flow test. You can order or find out where to pick up these tests from the following website https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests The site is extremely busy so may involve a wait or you may need to keep checking back to see where lateral flow tests are available. Thank you.
Relatives who are “essential care givers” must PCR each week, alongside the staff team and must also PCR in line with staff team during any outbreak situation
During the last major outbreak in December 2020, our wonderful community rallied round and supported us with gifts of hand creams, food gifts and local rooms for our staff. This was hugely appreciated by us all. If anyone does wish to donate similar gifts, we would be enormously grateful – please let us know and we will make arrangements for collection or drop off – thank you in advance.
If any relatives are dropping off gifts or items for residents, please can they ensure they are brought in a wipeable bag so they can be cleaned and prevent any delays in reaching your family member.
I wanted to end this message with a huge thank you to our families and community, as we know that we wouldn’t have managed this far during this pandemic without your support, understanding and spirit. I know that with your help, we will once again get through this further outbreak.
Thank you
Berenice Groves
