Infection prevention and management
General Advice
There are a number of steps that we can all take to limit the spread of acute respiratory infections (including COVID-19 and Influenza) in our community and help protect vulnerable people.
- stay home and seek medical advice if you have symptoms of an acute respiratory infection
- cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
- wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- clean and disinfect surfaces and frequently used objects such as mobiles, keys and wallets
Vaccinations
Southern Cross Care encourages all staff, volunteers, clients and residents to keep their vaccination status up to date. New Residential Care residents are required to be vaccinated prior to admission into our homes, in line with ATAGI guidelines.
Testing
To stop the spread of acute respiratory infections, people with symptoms should get tested and avoid contact with others while awaiting test results. For testing options, please speak with your GP clinic or visit the website of your state or territory health department.
Prevention & management in our services
Contact usSouthern Cross Care has developed a plan for the prevention and management of acute respiratory infections in our Home Care and Health & Wellness services, including our Community Respite cottages.
Acute respiratory infections are those caused by contagious respiratory viruses, including but not limited to COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Our Acute Respiratory Infection Prevention and Management Plan is designed to prevent, control and contain these viruses to help ensure the safety of our clients, staff and the community.
Under this plan, our staff are educated on infection control practices, we encourage vaccinations and testing for our clients, our staff are provided with appropriate protective equipment and vaccinated in line with our procedures.
For more information about our current infection prevention and management plans at your local Southern Cross Care service, please speak with our friendly team.
Our Residential Care homes in South Australia and the Northern Territory are operating under our Acute Respiratory Infection Prevention and Management Plan. This plan helps to ensure the safety of our valued residents, staff, volunteers and visitors.
Acute respiratory infections are those caused by contagious respiratory viruses, including but not limited to COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Key elements of our Prevention and Outbreak Management Plans (effective from Monday, 5 August 2024) are outlined below:
Prevention Plan
Active at all times unless the conditions for the activation of the Outbreak Management Plan are met.
- New residents are required to be vaccinated prior to admission, in line with ATAGI guidelines.
- All visitors are to complete a screening process and declare they are not symptomatic as a condition of entry.
- All staff and volunteers are vaccinated in line with our procedures and must not attend work if unwell.
- Our staff are trained to implement infection prevention strategies, including appropriate hand hygiene, cleaning schedules and physical distancing where possible.
Outbreak Management Plan
To be activated for the designated area of a home where two or more residents test positive to an Acute Respiratory Infection within 72 hours. These strategies are in addition to our Prevention Management Plan.
- Residents who test positive or display symptoms will isolate in their rooms and receive ongoing care and support from staff wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Our staff will coordinate early with GP's regarding COVID-19 antivirals and consider strategies to enhance resident well-being whilst in isolation.
- Only essential visitors are permitted into outbreak affected areas, including approved partners in care, named visitors or end-of-life visitors.
- Regular communications will be provided to affected residents and nomination family members.
Residential Care Home Status
Changes to the status of individual homes and areas will be communicated to residents and nominated family members directly as and when they occur. If you have a question about the current status of an individual home or wing, please contact the home directly. Click here for contact details.