With no new Covid-19 cases among its residents in the last week, and staff returning following a swathe of Covid cases throughout the Millicent community, Boneham Aged Care Services (BACS) is grateful to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) which has assisted the facility and the efforts of remaining staff.
Over the last three weeks, BACS has battled and contained an outbreak of cases among its residents to a total of nine, while staff numbers have been constantly eroded with a total of 70 staff absent at some time during the period – with Covid or as a close contact of a Covid case – representing half the facility’s workforce.
While the remaining staff put in an extraordinary effort to cover the shifts of their absent co-workers, they were assisted by ADF personnel who came to Millicent to help BACS through its Covid induced rough patch.
A total of 11 ADF personnel in three teams over the three week period assisted at BACS.
The first team was a general duties team of five, which was followed by a three member clinical team of navy personnel followed by a final clinical team of three army nurses from Adelaide.
The final team finished their last shift on Sunday, heralding the beginning of BACS returning to as normal as possible in the current Covid environment.
Chief Executive Officer of BACS, Michael Filsell was appreciative of the ADF’s assistance.
“They were a wonderful addition to our staff; they supported our residents and our staff and lifted morale during their stay,” Mr Filsell said.
“The residents responded positively to their presence; its something they don’t see every day.”
Mr Filsell also praised the efforts of staff who had stepped up to the challenge and worked on a 12 hour shift roster.
“Staff have been fantastic,” Mr Filsell said also thanking residents and the family of residents for their support through this period.
“We have an amazing group of workers; they always put their hand up and I am constantly reiterating to the board and others how lucky we are to have a staff cohort like we have.”
Mr Filsell said the efforts of staff and the organisational measures put in place had helped to ensure the number of Covid cases among its residents was limited to single numbers in a situation where Covid had swept through the Millicent community and affected many businesses in the area with staff shortages common.
However, he said the facility would remain vigilant, PCR testing would continue and some requirements would remain in place including all visitors must have a RAT test beforehand and must be up to date with their Covid vaccinations and have had a 2022 flu jab.
Masks must be worn and visits will be limited to the resident’s room and not be allowed in common areas.
