COVID 19 - Update 12/03/2020

Dear Customers, Carers and Family Members,

At Optalis it is always our top priority to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our customers and colleagues. The government has stated that the UK is prepared for all eventualities regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). With new cases emerging in the UK, we want to keep you updated with the safety information and steps that Optalis is taking. Optalis follows the advice provided by Public Health England and the Department of Health and Social Care. This means as a social care provider we have a plan, which includes the following:

Day to day safe practice:

All staff and customers are frequently reminded to follow good hygiene practices. We have clear and robust infection control procedures in place across all of our services.

As per latest NHS guidelines, if you or your family member display any of the following symptoms: a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath, we ask that follow any advice given by your GP or 111.

Optalis has a well-understood protocol that we would use if there were to be the case that a customer, member of staff or any other person connected with Optalis displays symptoms whilst working with us. Current advice does not advocate that there is a need to self-isolate or close a service unless under very specific conditions or advised to do so from Public Health England.

Staying up to date:

Visit our website for the most up to date information about our services and any changes.

If your service is affected you will be contacted directly by the team who provide this service to you. We will try to give you as much notice as we are able to, however, the situation is continually evolving and changes are likely to happen with short notice.

Wellbeing

We are conscious that the people we support and our colleagues can become very worried about COVID-19. We will do all we can across our organisation to maintain safe and supportive services.

We hope that you find our response to COVID-19 reassuring, however, should you have any specific concerns please contact your local service.