District and partners united against COVID threat A team of Northern Sydney Local
Health District health professionals have come together as part of a strike force response to the threat of COVID-19 in residential aged care facilities. The team, which is available 24/7 should an outbreak occur, has members from across disciplines including infection prevention and control, infectious diseases, public health, aged care outreach, allied health and GPs. One of those leading from the front is geriatrician and member of the Aged Care Rapid Response Team Dr James Hardy. Dr Hardy said the team has been working in conjunction with aged care facilities on comprehensive COVID-19 prevention plans, infection prevention training and the use of personal protective equipment. “In addition to our usual role of providing management at home for acutely unwell older people, our aged care outreach teams ARRT, BRACE and GRACE have been involved in the strikeforce to prepare for COVID-19,” he said. “It’s been a great opportunity to have even closer involvement with our RACFs and make sure everyone is on the same page so we can prevent an outbreak and manage well if one occurs. “While it has been a very busy time, I think it’s improved our confidence that our systems will work well together.” Regular COVID-19 teleconferences and educational webinars are also being hosted in response to the pandemic, which have proved useful for facilities like Calvary Ryde Retirement Community. Calvary Ryde General Manger Joseph Massih said the partnership with the district had proven invaluable for the safety and wellbeing of its residents, from the provision of COVID-19 educational resources, right through to the escalation
Dr James Hardy and Joseph Massih
pathways and mobile COVID-19 swabbing. “While adhering to strict infection prevention and control protocols has always been central to what we do, COVID-19 has really focused us on preparing for optimal outbreak management,” he said. “We know the importance of being able to react quickly and ensure all stakeholders are informed of our COVID-19 response plans and immediate actions. “The strong relationships we have with Government, our staff, local GPs, residents and their families will ensure a safe, transparent and effective response for the safety of our residents and their loved ones should an outbreak occur.” The response has also included working with other agencies like the Sydney North Primary Health Network, NSW Ambulance and local GPs. With this valuable stakeholder input, Calvary Ryde’s COVID-19 Outbreak Prevention and Management Plan continues to be regularly tested and refined.
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