26 March 2020

Dear friends in leadership in the Uniting Church in the Synod of NSW.ACT

We would like to provide you with an update on further precautions that Uniting is taking to ensure the safety of our Residential Aged Care residents and employees during the COVID-19 situation (also known as Novel Coronavirus).

Based on the rise of COVID-19 cases in our communities and the Government’s directive for people to stay at home, the Executive and Board of Uniting has taken the very difficult decision to close all our residential aged care services to visitors from tomorrow, 27 March. This decision will be reviewed every 2 weeks.

This is not a decision that the Uniting Board and Executive have taken lightly. They know how important it is for their residents and families to stay connected. This is a further precaution they will take to keep everyone safe and help prevent the spread of the virus in the wider community.

As we reminded leaders across the Synod in the briefing on 18 March: Paul long ago advised, “whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith” (Gal 6:10).

Our commitment to the common good mandates that we proceed in this direction, and this decision was made with the same commitment.

In summary, the new guidelines for visits are as follows:

• Uniting residential aged care services will not be allowing visitors, unless a resident is at end of their life, and by prior arrangement with the service.
• Visits from and attendance to essential services such as hospitals, GPs, allied health providers, ministers of religion, pastoral carers and chaplains will continue.

• Regrettably, bus trips and outings won’t be provided at this time.

• Given Uniting’s decision and the Government’s direction to stay at home, Uniting asks that residents do not leave the service during this time.   
• Current dining routines and other opportunities for residents to engage with each other will continue.

It’s critical that at this time, residents are supported wholistically. To this end pastoral care will become increasingly important. In addition to this, Uniting understands, how important lifestyle activities and engagement are for everyone’s wellbeing. This is why the Uniting team is working on ideas to maintain these within each service.

As a further measure to protect our residents, we are screening employees, essential contractors and Uniting registered volunteers who enter our services each day, including temperature checking.

Uniting will give all the families the support they need to stay connected to their loved ones during this time.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact Craig Corby, Uniting’s Head of Church Engagement at craigcorby@uniting.org or 0468722447

Our Synod and Uniting are grateful for your support as we continue to respond and adapt to the impact of COVID-19. We are doing everything we can to keep our residents and the people who provide care to them safe.

Yours sincerely,

Rev. Jane Fry, General Secretary

Rev. Simon Hansford, Moderator