Opening a Residential Aged Care Facility during the Covid 19 Pandemic

^{Elizabeth Skewes1}

¹St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne

St Vincent’s Public Hospital Melbourne is a large tertiary hospital that encompasses four existing Aged Care Residential Facilities (RACF). During the pandemic plans were well underway to partially open a recently constructed 90 bed RACF. Berengarra opened one floor in May 2021, with plans to slowly open more floors/beds to capacity. Our poster explores implementing a COVID 19 safe opening of a RACF mid pandemic; focusing on establishing day to day processes and education of staff completely new to the organization on COVID safe practices

A comprehensive orientation program was implemented, using both online and in-facility training. Recognizing the crucial importance of site visits pre-and post-opening and the importance of staff involvement in problem solving and local ownership of Covid 19 safe practices. This included Covid-19 training, understanding resources and personal protective equipment (PPE) practices.

Staff feedback post training it reported. We review the processes and gaps identified managing a suspected Covid -19 resident post initial training.

It’s not over! It’s never over!
During this pandemic we are continually reminded of the importance of learning and modifying practices based on best available evidence. Keeping our workforce well informed and flexible is crucial to our future success

Biography:

Elizabeth holds critical care qualifications and worked in ICU for 25yrs before moving to Infection Prevention as a Infection Prevention Nurse Consultant about 5 years ago. Elizabeth completed the introduction to infection control through ACIPC in 2020

Jane holds Infection Control qualifications, having previously been a senior Infection Prevention Nurse Consultant at St Vincent’s. Jane has also been a Hand Hygiene specialist for 3M . Jane is currently working in the Nurse Education department at St Vincent’s.