A nursing home in the Isle of Man where two residents have tested positive for coronavirus is being closely monitored and supported by the Department of Health and Social Care.
In this case both residents were transferred to the inpatient Covid-19 ward at Noble's Hospital in response to their specific clinical needs, and contact tracing is underway.
The DHSC's Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team has offered significant on-site support for staff looking after residents at the home, before and during the outbreak. This includes training in best practice to avoid infection spread, advice on social distancing and appropriate use of personal protective equipment, supplies of which continue to be provided.
Daily contact and regular visits by IPC staff are assisting in the management of the home, so that its residents can continue to live there comfortably and safely as the current situation demands.
Practical changes have seen an isolation area created where other residents with symptoms awaiting results are isolating within their rooms. In the meantime, all communal activities have been stopped, affected rooms have been deep cleaned and enhanced cleaning regimes commenced at the facility.
Additional guidance in safe laundry practices and disposal of waste has also been offered to staff, while staff have been reminded about the best ways to ensure respiratory and hand hygiene for themselves and residents.
DHSC Minister David Ashford said: 'We recognised throughout our planning that residents of care homes are particularly vulnerable, and have made extensive efforts to support homes in shielding them from coronavirus. Now that unfortunately, there are confirmed cases in a nursing home, we continue to be committed to support the front line care workers and their leadership team through an unprecedented situation which has presented new challenges for us all.
He added: 'We have clear pathways on how and when it is safe to manage a patient with confirmed coronavirus in their home, including in a nursing home, and this includes the PPE required. Sustaining this community provision is clearly vital, so that the hospital can continue to receive and treat the sickest patients. More broadly we will continue to liaise closely with and support staff in all of the Island's other nursing and residential facilities as appropriate.'
For comprehensive information on symptoms, hand-washing and hygiene, testing and support, visit gov.im/coronavirus
