Sep 2021
Family and Friends letter: 24 September
Letter from OSJCT Operations Director Mike Stredder about visiting and vaccinations.
Dear family member, loved ones and friends,
I write to you as we approach the winter months of the year to share our commitment to ensuring that visiting in OSJCT care homes takes place where possible. I would also like to encourage all those who regularly or occasionally visit our care homes, as a relative or friend of our residents to take up flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations to help protect our residents and employees.
Vaccinations along with LFD testing and the strict infection control protocols we undertake in our homes are the best ways to reduce the likelihood of winter viruses getting into our homes. We anticipate that visiting will be possible all through the winter, except in cases where the home is asked by Public Health England to limit visitors to essential visitors only (these include Essential Care Givers).
COVID-19 boosters are being prioritised for people over 50, care home residents and employees, and those who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions. The NHS will contact eligible individuals directly. The winter flu vaccination can be booked either through your GP surgery or www.boots.com/online/pharmacy-services/winter-flu-jab-services (may incur a cost).
We appreciate that visits to your loved ones are still facing restrictions, and we continue to offer booked and timed visits in designated spaces within our care homes as the best approach to minimising footfall and risk of asymptomatic spread of winter viruses. Our visiting protocols align with government guidance on visiting in care homes.
I would like to thank you personally for your patience and understanding during this time and would like to reiterate that we at The Orders of St John Care Trust are totally committed to the loving care of all our residents and colleagues.
With best wishes
Mike Stredder
Operations Director