Dear Families and Guardians,
We have overcome many challenges in recent weeks following the well-publicised COVID-19 outbreaks within the Albury-Wodonga and Central West regions. I would like to express my appreciation for the support, patience and understanding of families and guardians during this time.
Given the ongoing changes in our COVID-19 response, please find the following updates, (correct at the time of this publication) for your reference.
Day Program
Day Program activities will recommence from Monday, 7 February 2022, at both Albury and Orange locations. Participants will be able to access, and attend, their usual external Day Programs from this date also. With the return of programs and participants at both sites, please find the following reminders:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and WHS
- Staff must continue to wear masks with shields or eye protection at all times.
- Gowns are no longer required for general tasks.
- Gowns, gloves, masks and shields are required for times when staff are providing personal care activities (showering, toileting etc) and other activities requiring close personal contact.
- Cleaning and hand hygiene protocols must continue to be maintained.
Requirements for all vehicle transportation are:
- Participants, if able, are to wear masks in the vehicle.
- Staff are to wear masks and supplied safety glasses.
Accommodation
Participants are now permitted to visit their family homes, although will be required to undertake a RAT with a negative result before returning to their usual Mercy Connect owned / operated accommodation.
The requirement that only essential visitors may enter Mercy Connect owned / operated accommodation remains in place. All approved visitors must complete the Mercy Connect ‘COVID-19 Declaration’ form prior to entering our premises. Please note, this form is regularly updated to meet the current requirements.
Please access the current version via Mercy Connect Reception. All completed forms must be provided to Debbie White at reception@mercyconnect.org.au.
Corporate and Central West Offices
Both Albury (St John’s / Thurgoona) and Orange (Illamatta Way) offices remain closed to the public. This includes, but is not limited to, participants, family members / carers, external contractors and suppliers. Exceptions to this directive will be at the discretion of the CEO Office.
Family Contact
A reminder that families / guardians who may have queries or are seeking an urgent response to an immediate matter, should only be contacting one nominated Mercy Connect Team Leader or Manager (i.e., contact should not be made with other Corporate Office / Administration staff). This will greatly assist everyone with managing such requests, so we can provide consistent responses without creating unnecessary duplication, or any additional confusion.
QR Code
All staff (and approved external visitors) must continue to check-in using the Service NSW QR code, which is located at all Mercy Connect locations.
Mercy Connect family communications are also available on the Mercy Connect website.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us on 02 6043 3500 or enquiries@mercyconnect.org.au
Together we grow.
Trent Dean
Chief Executive Officer