July 2020
SHS Day Services continue to reopen on a carefully-considered risk and needs assessed basis and had partially reopened a number of day centres in several areas across the county.
This phased reopening, under the current COVID-19 restrictions necessitated adjustments with the location of services and redeployment of staff to support our clients.
So a big heartfelt thanks to all our clients, their families, staff and friends for their ongoing support and patience. It had helped immensely to manage our COVID-19 risks, and to enable the beginning of this reopening process.
August 2020
The good work of infection control continued through August in SHS. New infection prevention protections, including handsfree temperature measurement and centre entry protocols were installed across all of our services administrative centres.
SHS had led the way within our sector in reopening our doors on a phased basis and we continued to keep COVID19 out of our centres due to the hard work, diligence and extra effort in infection control support and commitment of all our staff, clients and families. This helped greatly to advance our phased reopening.
We remind everyone that we had recently seen a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in Ireland. The essential travel to countries on the ‘Green List’ was introduced . At the same time, the Government began to ease restrictions over the summer on social gatherings within our own communities. Taken together, these two factors presented an opportunity for COVID-19 cases to increase and spread, as well as raising the likelihood of community transmissions. This was in addition to the serious risks of the COVID-19 infection itself, which continue to exist since its arrival.
The rise case numbers prompted the Taoiseach and Government officials to introduce new restrictions on 18th August, which will remain in place until September 13th.
We also remind everyone that our best protection was to-
• Be familiar with our COVID-19 return to work and infection control protocols.
• Wash your hands well and often to avoid contamination.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, and discard used tissue safely.
• Distance yourself at least 2 metres (6 feet) away from other people where possible, especially those who might be unwell.
• Wear a surgical face mask in work, public indoor places and on any public or SHS transport if you cannot maintain a distance of 2 metres.
• Avoid crowds and crowded places.
• Know the symptoms. If you have them, self-isolate and contact your GP immediately.
While not an exhaustive list as COVID-19 may present differently in individuals, everyone is reminded that the more commonly reported symptoms included the following:-
• High temperature (particularly if your temperature is 37.5C after more than one well-spaced temperature measurement).
• Cough.
• Breathing difficulty.
• Sudden loss of sense of smell or taste.
• Flu-like symptoms
September 2020
Joe Lynch CEO SHS notes that the spread of Covid-19 is on the rise again. Everyone is aware of the rising numbers, dire warnings and simple, but effective methods we must all adopt to take care of ourselves and each other. This is a particularly difficult task as we cannot see, hear or feel the virus and we are all susceptible to catching it. At times we can get lulled into a false sense of security around the people we see and interact with each day. But we can never assume that it is safe to come into close contact with anybody at this time. The rise in infections is not just in Dublin but also in a number of other counties, including Wicklow. It is our civic and moral duty to prevent the spread of the disease wherever we can. It is particularly difficult with the resumption of schools and colleges. In Sunbeam there has been a fourfold increase in the numbers of tests for clients and staff in the last two weeks. It is good that you are vigilant and are looking after your own health and by extension, the health of colleagues and clients. Please keep this caution at the forefront of your daily lives: wash hands, wear face coverings, be mindful of temperature checks and the symptoms of this highly contagious virus. Please do not come to work if you are unwell and mind yourself and others in these difficult times.
October 2020
All families, guardians and clients are advised that Level 5 Restrictions came in to force at midnight Wednesday 21 October 2020
Residential Services:
Due to the recent elevation of the COVID-19 restrictions to level 5. We wish to advise that in order to safeguard our clients, staff and their family, no visitors will be allowed entry to our Residential centres during this period and no home visits will be taking place until further notice except for critical and compassionate circumstances and subject to risk assessment on a case by case basis by the relevant CSM .
Should there be any signs that this may be having a negative impact on a client this will be looked at on a critical and compassionate basis. In such instances, a risk assessment will be conducted, and the matter will be discussed between the Client Service Manager the Senior Service Manager of the centre.
It is possible under the current restrictions, to meet with 1 other household in an outdoor setting which is not a home or garden, such as a park, including for exercise. However, given the risk of cross infection SHS does not encourage its residential clients to visit any other settings outside of their residence and garden. Such social gatherings may only be arranged for health or compassionate reasons once risk assessed by the relevant CSM.
Staff will continue to support clients to keep in contact with their families by telephone or video link to the greatest possible extent.
Day & Respite Services:
No change in the current level of Day Services provision is anticipated at this time. However, this will be subject to review against any changes in the internal and external COVID19 situation or as any further government restriction change.
Transport:
No changes in the current provision of transport arrangements are anticipated at this time. However, this will also be subject to review against any changes in the internal and external COVID19 situation or as any further government restriction change.
Should you have any queries or concerns about your relative, you are welcome to telephone the Client Service Manager.
