McLean Care prepares facilities against COVID 19 outbreak.

These are difficult and unprecedented times and McLean Care is working meticulously to be as prepared as we possibly can be in the event that an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs in any of our regional communities.

We know that older adults and those with chronic medical conditions including heart disease are at heightened risk from this illness. We are therefore taking this situation very seriously and stand firm in our commitment to the provision of high quality services to vulnerable older Australians.

Outbreak Protection Plans in place

Our McLean team are highly knowledgeable and experienced and our priority is to ensure the safety, the health and well-being of our residents, clients, staff and our communities. We have adopted the approach set out by the World Health Organisation:
1.Prepare and be ready
2.Detect, protect and treat
3.Reduce transmission
4.Innovate and learn

We have developed and will continue to amend, our COVID-19 outbreak protection plans and in the unfortunate event of an outbreak, our COVID-19 management plans. These comprehensive plans allocate clear roles and responsibilities, resources, specific actions and timeframes. To date we have had no confirmed cases of COVID-19 for our residents, staff or clients, and as this crisis unfolds, we will continue to monitor and act on official advice from both federal and state government authorities on an ongoing basis.

Last night Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said the advice from the Communicable Disease Network of Australia issued to aged care facilities around Australia outlines the precautionary measures for residents, staff and their families as the Federal Government continues to implement strategies to contain the virus. It includes the recommendation that family and friends limit visits to residential care centres, particularly for residents already suffering from chronic illness. `Given the risks to older Australians from COVID 19, particularly those with chronic disease and other frailties, we now recommend that residential aged care providers restrict visitor access, Minister Colbeck said.

We are now appealing to you to help us protect our vulnerable loved ones by following our interim guidelines while ever this crisis confronts us:

-Please do not visit our residential aged care facilities or home and community care clients unless it is absolutely necessary.

-If you need to visit these hours have changed to 10am to 12noon and 2.30pm to 5pm in all of our residential aged care facilities and we ask that you only visit during these times. Our reception staff will ask specific screening questions of you prior to you finalising your entry.

-Alternatively, we can assist you toremain connected to your loved one/s by using other options such as phone calls and FaceTime link ups. Please contact us for Residential Services and Home and Community Careyou can visit our website www.mcleancare.org.auto learn how we canarrange this for you.

-Please do not visit our residential aged care facilities or home and community care clients under any circumstances:
a) If you have returned from a domestic flight anywhere in Australia within 14 days on your return
b) If you are experiencing cold or flu like symptoms or you have been in contact with anyone that has had cold or flu like symptoms until we know that the COVID-19 Pandemic is under control.

For our Home and Community Care clients it is important to understand that unless you have been positively diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus it is important that you remain connected with your McLean Care staff who are highly knowledgeable and experienced with hygiene and safety, but we are appealing to the communities to help us protect our vulnerable loved ones by not visiting them at home if you are unwell.

Our Supplies are prepared
Please also be assured that McLean Care has enough supplies of necessary personal protective equipment and medical supplies along with access to further supplies in the event that they are required. Our staff are highly educated in infection control measures inclusive of hand hygiene and receive daily updates and advice. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding as we work together to protect our local communities, particularly those that are most vulnerable. Together, we can make a difference.