RESIDENTS of local SA-Health-run aged care homes will need approval to leave the premises, with those who exit without a good reason barred from returning.
A bulletin circulated to all Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network (BHFLHN) staff last week outlined new rules for the movement of nursing home residents, staff and visitors as the health sector prepares to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and flu season at once.
Aged care facility residents will now need approval to be allowed to leave and return to a premises, with acceptable reasons including medical or dental emergencies.
Any SA Health aged care home staff or visitors will need to have received the flu vaccination to be allowed into a nursing home.
The changes were ordered through the Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities) (COVID19) Direction ordered by Police commissioner Grant Stevens in his as the State Coordinator.
South Australian police will enforce the vaccine requirements to ensure all aged care providers comply with the new rules.
In the bulletin, penned by BHFLHN chief executive officer Rebecca Graham, proof of vaccination includes a statement from a health practitioner or an immunisation history statement from Medicare Online.
“BHFLHN respects the right for individuals to refuse the influenza vaccination, however, we also reserve the right to refuse entry of unvaccinated people to our health sites,” she said.
“This is an important part of our responsibility to protect our residential aged care residents and patients in this period of heightened health risk.
“Health site staff that are opposed to receiving the flu vaccination for any reason (i.e. medical, cultural, religious) must immediately advise their site Director of Nursing and Midwifery.”
Enforcement of 30 minute visits during specific hours of the day and the pre-booking of visits a day prior remain in place.
Other visitors banned from visiting nursing homes include anyone who has travelled outside of the state in the past or have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days, anyone with a fever higher than 37.5C or children 16-years-old or younger – unless they are providing end of life support.