Jul 2020
OSJCT selected in latest Government testing pilot
Care home employees and volunteers will be tested weekly for Coronavirus for four weeks throughout July as The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) continues its campaign to keep staff and residents safe during the global pandemic.
Residents, other than those in our Extra Care Housing, will also be tested once during this period and new employees and residents will be tested on their first day. This new pilot is in addition to OSJCT’s existing strategy of testing everyone who displays symptoms. All employees and residents will be asked for consent before testing.
OSJCT operates 82 homes and accommodation schemes across Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, West Sussex and Suffolk. The trust employs around 4,800 staff, who provide high-quality, person-centred care for more than 3,500 older people including dementia, intermediate, respite and day care, and specialised nursing.
Dan Hayes, Chief Executive said: “Our employees and volunteers have been incredible during these unprecedented times, providing the highest level of commitment and compassion to thousands of our community’s residents who need care and support more than ever.
“We welcome the opportunity to be included in the Department of Health and Social Care’s latest pilot. These new testing procedures will continue the work we are committed too which is to keep everyone safe and well. As lockdown measures relax across the country, we will remain at the highest level of vigilance.
We are pleased to see today’s government announcement that all care homes will receive regular testing commencing in August.”
The quality of OSJCT’s service has been accredited by the National Care Forum, through its "Quality First" framework and the Trust was delighted to have again been awarded a 'Top 20 Recommended Care Home Group' Award in the Large Care Home Group category of carehome.co.uk 2020 awards.