We’re pleased to announce that we will begin to offer testing for visitors. Regular testing of visitors can help to support more meaningful visits with loved ones, when combined with other infection prevention and control (IPC) measures (such as social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment).
Testing can support care homes to safely maintain a balance between infection control and the vital benefits of visiting to the health and wellbeing of residents. However, testing visitors does not completely remove the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
Our care home will start testing visitors from 21st December 2020. Please continue to book appointments in order to visit as we have been doing.
Please read the visitor testing guidance pack (enclosed) carefully before scheduling a visit so that you know what to expect this can be found on the government website. A copy of the visitors testing guidance pack will be placed in the front conservatory which you can read awaiting your test result, which will be approximately 30 minutes.
Please be patient as the process will require you to be tested in our summer house, you can then await your results in the front conservatory, you will have to register your test (an ipad will be provided), you will also need to sign a consent form to the test and handling your personal data. We have included a consent form with this letter so you can complete before you attend Bryden House. Further copies will be available from reception. The Kit ID reference will be supplied to you on arrival.
Any visitor with an inconclusive test or positive test will unfortunately not be allowed access to the home.
Do I have to be tested in order for me to visit my relative?
Testing is really important to help us to identify people who might be carrying coronavirus but not showing symptoms. Testing may not identify everyone that is currently infectious, but alongside other infection prevention and control measures and wearing PPE, testing helps us to keep our care home and your loved ones safe.
We hope that you’ll agree with us that the 30-minute testing process is a minor inconvenience to support us in managing the risks of coronavirus, and the chance to have closer contact with your loved one.
If you do not want to take a test, please do discuss this with Natalie or Alina. Without testing, indoor visits may still be possible in Tier 1 areas provided they are limited, with social distancing, no physical contact, full PPE and good hand hygiene observed at all times.
In the event of an outbreak in our care home, please note that apart from exceptional circumstances, such as end of life, visits will not be going ahead in line with government policy.
If you have any further questions or queries about visiting loved ones at your care home, please contact the care home manager.
Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. We’ll continue to work hard to support and improve meaningful visits with our residents.
