RAPID TESTS BEGIN FOR PINES STAFF AND SECURITY AT ALL DOORS NEXT WEEK
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
BRACEBRIDGE — Some changes are coming to The Pines today in the wake of the surprise “resignation” of its administrator Kim Landry last week.
See her story here.
Norm Barrette, District of Muskoka Health Services commissioner, tells MuskokaTODAY.com that they include rapid testing that began Monday, Feb. 8, and security staff at all entrances starting next week.
Both moves are mandated by the province, he said, to ensure the further safety of residents and staff at the LTC home in Bracebridge.
But he didn’t respond to questions about Landry’s departure, citing a policy of not discussing human resources issues with the public.
He did say that “she resigned,” but wouldn’t comment further.
However, he did say that The Pines has a “fantastic team” of workers.
“They’re 100 per cent dedicated. They’ve given so much, smiling, laughing. Making the best of a difficult situation.
“And making the residents feel good.”
He didn’t indicate that there were any problems, even as he took over administration of the home last Wednesday, Feb. 3, on an interim basis of “several months” until a successor is hired.
That was the day the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) lifted a third “minor” outbreak order he said for staff and residents.
Meanwhile, starting today all staff were to report early for their shift and when entering the building were (and will be in future) referred to the Country Kitchen area just inside the entrance where rapid testing began.
Barrette said the Ministry of Long-Term Care has mandated all long-term care homes to implement a new form of rapid testing for all staff.
The tests produce results in 15 minutes and workers must wait for the results before proceeding to their worksite.
The Country Kitchen has been transformed into the testing area so that staff do not enter into a resident or support area of the home before their test result is known.
The testing will be provided seven days per week. Staff who work two to seven days in a week are required to have a rapid test completed three times a week and staff are working two a week will be tested on every shift.
Barrette told TODAY.com that staff is receiving an extra 90 minutes pay per week to cover early reporting.
The ministry has also mandated that all long-term care homes engage an independent security firm to ensure entry screening protocols are followed at every entrance to the home.
“We expect we will have the required security personnel in place beginning next week,” Barrette said in today’s updated memo to staff.
Staff entering the building will all be checked to make sure they are adhering to pandemic protocols before starting work and to prevent any possible corona virus spread inside.
On Wednesday, Feb. 10, the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine for all residents who signed a consent form — and who received the first vaccine dose — will be given out.
As of today Barrette said 95 per cent of all residents consented to receive their first dose.
And also as with the first vaccination clinic, health unit staff, Muskoka Paramedic Services and the Pines nursing team will be administering the vaccines.
Staff requiring the second vaccine are being told to make arrangements to travel to Barrie for shots on their own time — and on their own dime — said Barrette.
He said as nursing staff take over rapid testing of all staff, the Pines is working on the protocols that would allow essential caregiver visits.
“I expect we will be resuming visits early next week.”
As for vaccinations for those caregivers, who include family and third-party health providers, the health unit began providing second vaccinations this week with appointments.
Once vaccine levels permit first doses, essential caregivers will be able to register to receive a vaccination. It is not known if clinics will be offered at the Pines for future doses of the vaccine other than for residents.
Barrette said he will continue to provide regular updates by email and will host monthly Zoom calls to share information and answer questions.
Later in February, the Pines will also be launching a new engagement website for families. It will offer ways to share information including photos, videos, surveys, and calendars along with updates.
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