Outbreak Update #6

October 29, 2020

Dear Families,

We have become aware of a 3rd Resident at the Simkin Centre who has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Family members of Residents living on the affected unit will be contacted.

We appreciate this is incredibly unsettling news for our Residents and their loved ones.  Please be assured that we have moved quickly to enact precautions that will prevent any further spread of illness.  The care of our Residents’ health is our top priority.

To help stop the spread of illness, the following measure have been implemented:

  • Residents affected are in isolation and are receiving care by staff dedicated to their needs.
  • All visitations, including designated visitors, are suspended until further notice.
  • We have suspended admissions to the facility.
  • Staff are being screened to see if testing is required.
  • All staff who are in contact with Residents will continue to wear personal protective equipment to further prevent any potential transmission between staff members and Residents.
  • Communal meals and recreation activities for all Residents are being modified. Residents who are symptomatic will be isolated from other Residents and those dining together will continue to be be physically distanced from one another at meal times.

We appreciate your concern for your loved one.  Our priority at this time is the care of our Residents.  Please call Janet Conrad (204) 589-9014 with any inquiries you may have.

If you recently visited the facility and have questions or concerns about your own health, please contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257.

Outbreak-Update-6-to-FamiliesDownload

Outbreak Update #5 – October 27, 2020

We are pleased to report that there have been no additional positive Covid results for our Residents or staff.

Our Resident who tested positive for Covid remains isolated in our Covid unit and is being cared for by staff dedicated solely for this unit.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Corinna (RN), Lindsay (LPN), Roma (LPN) and Sara (RN) who volunteered to work in our Covid unit.  This selfless act is appreciated by all!  Check out our Facebook page to see pictures of our Simkin Hero’s in yellow gowns.  www.facebook.com/simkincentre

If you would like to send messages of encouragement to our Resident or staff that are in our Covid unit, here is the link:  https://www.simkincentre.ca/email-a-resident/.  Type Covid Unit and your message.  This would mean so much to our Resident and staff.

We continue to be vigilant in our use of PPE and hand hygiene.  We are performing regular audits of PPE use to ensure compliance.  Enhanced cleaning measures remain in place.

Ten additional iPads and cases have been purchased and will be used to increase the number of FaceTime and Skype opportunities.  We are proud to say that between October 26th and November 1st, we have 253 FaceTime & Skype opportunities available.  Book your appointment using our booking app by going to our website and clicking at the top where it says, “Book a Visit”.  Please consider donating to our Covid Fund to help support Covid related initiatives such as this.

We also want to encourage everyone to do their part in stopping the spread of Covid.  Please follow public health guidelines.  Our Residents and staff are depending on you.

Sincerely,

Laurie Cerqueti, CEO

Emergency Feeding Volunteer Request

Dear Volunteers;

We are looking to train a team of volunteers to be on emergency standby should we be at risk of not having enough staff available to feed our residents.  We know from previous outbreaks in other provincial jurisdictions that a lack of staffing can contribute to issues with the proper feeding of residents in Personal Care Homes.  

Please confirm with us if you would be interested in participating in a 2 hour orientation on feeding/swallowing.  The orientation will take place at The Simkin Centre on Tuesday, October 27th at noon. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided.  Please note part of the orientation will include hands on experience feeding a resident.

This extra assistance will allow us to be prepared for every eventuality. We have offered this orientation once before and it has been very successful.  We are now seeking additional volunteers to assist us in planning for the future.

Please contact Alissa Minaker

(Acting Volunteer/Companion Coordinator) at 204-589-9008 or Alissa.minaker@simkincentre.ca.

Please reply by October 23rd to confirm your attendance.