Dear family member, loved ones and friends,

We know that limits and restrictions around visiting loved ones in OSJCT care homes due to Covid-19 can be frustrating for all. However, the emergence of the new variant of concern, Omicron, reminds us to continue to be diligent and cautious. All our teams work in line with Government guidelines to manage the risk of Covid-19 transmission to our residents, many of whom are extremely vulnerable to that and other winter viruses.

Our homes use a Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) to manage and respond to changing circumstances such as outbreaks (as defined by Public Health England), fluctuating community transmission rates and each home’s capacity to manage infection control measures associated with each visit. Whilst OSJCT policies provide options for regular visiting, it is not always possible for every home to offer all types of visits, at all times. Home Managers are supported by their Area Operation Managers, and a central policy group, led by care quality experts who regularly review and interpret Government advice and policy changes so that homes have up-to-date information.

The availability of visits, visiting spaces and types of visits may change in your home, so please liaise with your Home Managers about the latest situation. You can also refer to the DRA for your loved one’s home. A copy is available on request.

We are aware of a recent update to the Government’s visiting guidance (25 November), which was released prior to wider knowledge of Omicron. We expect further changes to the visiting guidance and are awaiting those before we change our protocols. It is still the case that OSJCT homes in outbreak only permit visits by ECGs or visits for residents at end-of-life.

Please bear with our teams during these busy and challenging times. We are all committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents and endeavour to make visiting as open as possible within the current restrictions. We very much appreciate your ongoing vigilance against illness, and we ask that you postpone your visit if you are feeling unwell yourself.

Essential Care Givers (ECGs)

Each resident has been offered the opportunity to nominate one visitor as their ECG. These visitors can come into the home during outbreaks as long as they are fit and well, and test negative for Covid-19. They also need to sign an ECG Visitors’ Agreement which covers the roles and responsibilities of both the care home and the ECG.

In some cases, ECGs will also be able to visit their loved one in their bedroom. This can be discussed with your Home Manager or Head of Care. If you are unsure whether your loved one has an ECG, please speak to your Home Manager or a senior team member.

Visitors’ Charter

All visitors must adhere to the Visitors’ Charter. We politely remind all visitors of the importance of treating our employees and others with respect when visiting our homes/sites as stated in our Visitors’ Charter.

With best wishes

Mike Stredder

Operations Director