Stay up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 guidance
Page last updated 26/11/2020
As you are likely aware, the situation with coronavirus or COVID-19, is constantly changing and we are always consistently reviewing and following the latest advice provided by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care. To ensure you are kept up to date we will be keeping this page up to date with the latest recommendations, advice and information.
The health and safety of our clients, their families, our nurses and support workers is our absolute priority and we will continue to update you with any information or measures that we have put in place.
We’ve put together some information to support you and answer some of the questions you may have but if you still have questions or concerns please do not worry. Our team are on-hand 24/7 to answer any query you may have.
The latest advice if you have symptoms:
To stay up to date with the latest Government and NHS advice on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19:
View Government guidance
View NHS guidance
These pages are updated as anything relating to the current situation changes so please check them regularly to ensure you are up to date.
The Government website also offers a daily email updates service that alerts you to any new information you need to be aware. To sign up click here.
In addition, if you, a family member of someone you have been in close contact with has developed symptoms of coronavirus the NHS has created an online service for you to use. To access the NHS 111 online service click here or call 111 from you mobile or landline telephone.
Keeping our clients safe
We are taking our guidance from the government on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as vulnerable from COVID-19.
To read these guidelines in full please click here.
Infection prevention and control
For all guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19 please click here.
Handwashing and respiratory hygiene
There are general principles you should follow to help prevent the spread of airway and chest infections caused by respiratory viruses, including:
- wash your hands more often - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser. Do this after you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, and after you eat or handle food
- avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- avoid close contact with people who have symptoms
- cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin
- clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home
Masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
We have implemented new processes regarding the supply of PPE.
For any PPE enquiries, the clients Regional Clinical Lead (RCL) will be able to assist.
Emotional, physical and mental wellbeing
Social isolation, reduction in activity, unpredictability and changes in routine can all contribute to increasing stress. Many people including those without existing health needs may feel anxious about this impact including support with daily living, ongoing care arrangements with health providers, support with medication and changes in their daily routines.
If a client is receiving services for their mental health, learning disability or autism and you are worried about the impact of isolation please contact us for additional support.
There are some fantastic organisations providing valuable information and resources on how to maintain your emotional and mental wellbeing at this time:
Every Mind Matters
Mental Health UK
The wellbeing of our clients, nurses and support workers is paramount, if you feel you need additional support from us during this time, we want to be here for you.
Contacting the Thornbury Community Services team
Following our previous communications, we have transitioned our office teams to home working. To enable this, we have our teams using additional phone lines to contact you. If you receive a call from an unknown number, no caller ID or a number you don’t recognise, please answer the call as it will likely be our care coordination team trying to contact you.
At the current time and based on our understanding of what is known of COVID-19 and other similar respiratory viruses, it is likely that older people and those with chronic medical conditions may be vulnerable to severe disease. As more information emerges, recommendations may change.
For more information and guidance on COVID-19
COVID-19: guidance for health professionals:
Read more
COVID-19: infection prevention and control:
Read more
COVID-19: residential, supported living and home care guidance:
Read more
The latest information for the public about the situation in the UK:
Read more
Detailed guidance on the epidemiology, virology and clinical features:
Read more
Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response:
Read more
If you have any further questions about the information provided, please do not hesitate to contact us:
If your query is urgent, please contact the care coordination team on 0345 120 5310
Finally, we want to take this opportunity to once again thank you for your support through this challenging time. Please continue to contact us with any questions you have. Stay safe and take care, we will all get through this together.