Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are to provide two teams to assist with the containment of the Covid-19 outbreak at Orchard Villa, which cost 31 lives at the long term care home.
Meanwhile, deep cleaning of the premises continued, according to a statement issued by Lakeridge Health, which has been tasked by Durham Region with leading containment efforts at the home.
It said a Canadian Armed Forces medical unit is bringing additional resources to bolster the onsite care team. “CAF representatives have already toured the residence and met with the Lakeridge Health and Southbridge Care Homes leadership teams. CAF resources include two distinct teams: a medical team and an operations team. More information on their involvement will be available in the coming days,” said the statement.
“…Good progress continues to be made to combat the Covid-19 outbreak and care for residents at Orchard Villa. Physicians, nurses, personal support workers, and other experts continue to help stop the spread of the virus and bring aid to the people most in need,” it added.
“There have been many changes over the past few days, and more in the days to come as we focus our collective energy on responding to the Covid-19 outbreak here at Orchard Villa. Thanks to everyone’s commitment to serve the best interest of the residents, we will get through this together,” said Susan deRyk Interim President and CEO of Lakeridge Health.
“The support of our partners at Lakeridge Health, Durham Public Health and the Canadian Armed Forces have made a fast and deeply appreciated impact to our operations at Orchard Villa” said Ryan Bell, CEO of Southbridge Care Homes. “We thank our partners for responding to our call and assisting our ability to deliver the care our residents and their families expect of us at a time they need it most.”
Infection prevention and control: On Friday, Dr. Dan Ricciuto, a Lakeridge Health Infectious Disease physician, along with a team of infection prevention and control (IPAC) experts, conducted a detailed review to identify opportunities to enhance safety at Orchard Villa. Over the coming days, a number of new protocols and processes will take effect, including enhanced mandatory education and retraining for staff at the home.
Deep cleaning continues: To end the outbreak of Covid-19 and to create a safe environment for people living and working there, contractors are on-site to continue with the ‘deep clean’. It is expected to take a few weeks to complete this work throughout the residence. This will include every part of the long-term care and retirement home, including all shared spaces and all rooms.
Resident/Family communication ongoing: Lakeridge Health’s patient experience team is continuing to speak to the family member identified as the key contact for each resident to provide individualized updates and answer questions about the care being provided and activities underway.
Staffing being further enhanced: More highly trained clinicians and staff are onsite at Orchard Villa to provide residents the care and personal supports they need as the outbreak is being resolved. These include Lakeridge Health Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, Personal Support Workers, and Dietary professionals.
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