In case you missed it last week, Healthy North Coast has launched the COVID-19 Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) Outbreak GP Framework to support GP coverage in residential aged care facilities.
Click images to download documents
Over 50 per cent of RACF managers across the region have attended a training session for the framework. Names of early adopter GP Team Leaders are flowing in and feedback is that the facilities and GPs in the know are feeling more confident about what to do for an outbreak.
The Local Health Districts and the Public Health Unit are supporting the roll out of the framework, ensuring clarity of roles and communication, which are both important safety factors in an outbreak.
Simulations are occurring between providers, with gaps being discussed and initiatives underway to address issues. We are all working together!
This week, RACF managers came together to hear a regional manager from a large RACF provider in Northern NSW share her experiences in an outbreak facility in Melbourne. The facility had over 20 residents with COVID-19. Positive residents were grouped together in one wing and the facility formed up a command centre, providing leadership on the ground for the troops. The army and LHD provided staff in the immediate few days of outbreak. Extensive supplies of PPE were catalogued, stored, utilised (safely) and reordering was a daily event. Waste removal increased ten fold and all staff ‘bogged in’ to help empty pallets of deliveries. Spotters were used for donning and doffing practices, ensuring safety for all. Our colleague had many other tips for us and we thank her for sharing this experience.
If you are interested in learning more, a recording of the talk can be accessed through Bron McCrae, Deputy Director Healthy Living and Ageing at Healthy North Coast. Email: [email protected]