Peninsula Villages, has continued to ensure the safety of staff, residents, and the wider community after securing the first of many deliveries of Rapid Antigen Tests for COVID-19.
The organisation continues to lead the way locally, with the first of many regular deliveries having recently arrived, significantly earlier than the nation-wide rollout which was expected to happen in November.
The 9,000 Rapid Antigen Tests will be made available to all direct care staff across Peninsula Villages three residential aged care facilities prior to every working shift. The roll-out will commence from the first shift Monday 18th October. Peninsula Villages is currently delivering the mandatory training to 28 Registered Nurses staff to distribute the tests to employees when commencing their shift, providing an extra layer of protection of their vulnerable residents.
With many people now entering aged-care facilities daily, rapid antigen testing will greatly reduce the prospect of COVID-19 outbreaks at Peninsula Villages.
Rapid Antigen Testing of visitors to residential aged care facilities is currently under discussion and consideration, awaiting further guidance on risk assessments
Peninsula Villages moved to immediately acquire the rapid tests after former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced region-wide lockdowns would conclude on October 11, after the state reached 70% of its eligible population becoming fully vaccinated, and in advance of visitors being welcomed back to the facility. Rapid Antigen Tests provide results in just 15 minutes and will provide further assurance for high-risk residents as lockdown eases.
Peninsula Villages has been a local leader in ensuring safety of residents and staff. In August, they opened a vaccination hub for all local aged care staff to assist with the mandated vaccine rollout.
Fred J. P. Van Steel, CEO of Peninsula Villages, explained the aim of the Rapid Antigen Tests.
“The rollout of the Rapid Antigen Tests is our next step in COVID-19 precautions at Peninsula Villages. It is our obligation to make the testing accessible through our Registered Nurses, to help identify COVID cases as early as possible.
Being a leading aged care provider, we want to provide the greatest level of protection for our residents and staff, and lead the way for others in the community.”