PHO ORDER: Immediately: Report your Personal Health Number

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You do not need to report your PHN number to Menno Place if you have done this previously.

Menno Place has been ordered by the Provincial Health Officer to provide the Personal Health Number (PHN) of all employees, including those who are on leave. You are required to provide this to Menno Place who will provide it to the Provincial Health Officer for the purposes of implementing the PHO Order.

How to find your Personal Health Number – CLICK HERE

Employees who refuse to provide their PHN to their employer may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. All employees are required to provide this information under the PHO Order. Refusing to comply is a violation of the Public Health Act.

If you are unable to fill out the form (below), please call Human Resources and provide them with your name, birthdate, location of work, employee number and PHN. Call: 604.851.1348 or 604.851.1346. You can email this information to: Jessy.Manhas@MennoPlace.ca

Fill out my online form.

COVID-19 full vaccination mandatory for all BC long-term and Assisted Living staff by October 12

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Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer announced that all staff in assisted living facilities and long-term care homes in the province must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 12th (2 doses + 14 days). She said that this will be a condition of employment and an important tool to fight the variant infections in some of the province’s most vulnerable population. She also announced that this will be a condition of employment for acute care and community care.

In the interim, non-vaccinated staff will be required to continue to wear PPE and be tested regularly.

Watch the Dr. Bonnie Henry announcement – CLICK HERE

In the rare case that an individual cannot be fully vaccinated due to medical reasons, public health will be working with the individuals who are not able to be vaccinated.

CLICK HERE to book your first or second COVID-19 vaccination.

 

AUGUST 9, 2021 – TERRACE EAST COVID-19 EXPOSURE

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COVID UPDATE – August 9, 2021 – Terrace East (TE)

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES  = 1(0 residents / 1 staff)

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 (0 residents/ 1 staff)

TOTAL NEW SYMPTOMATIC = 0 (0 resident / 0 staff)

Dear Tenants and Families of Menno Terrace,

We are writing to notify you that someone at Menno Terrace was diagnosed with COVID-19. The Fraser Health COVID-19 Public Health team is working with the staff at the home to identify anyone who may have been exposed and to take steps to protect the health of all tenants and staff. Our Medical Health Officer has not declared a COVID-19 outbreak at this time.

This exposure does not mean you/your famly member is sick with COVID-19. Tenants and staff will be screened twice-daily for any signs of illness. Those who develop symptoms will be isolated, tested for COVID-19 and provided the care they need.

The health and safety of tenants and staff is our first priority and a responsibility we take very seriously. To date, as part of our proactive management, Fraser Health has worked to ensure enhanced measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at this home.

Your loved one may be required to isolate based on their exposure and COVID-19 vaccination status. We know that staying away from your loved one is very difficult and we appreciate your cooperation with the goal of keeping residents, staff and medical staff healthy. At this time there are no residents in isolation. Visits continue with screening by the Visitation Hosts.

Staff at this home will continue to provide care and services to you to enhance your safety and well-being while maintaining routines where it is safe to do so. We will also keep you up-to-date if there are any changes related to your family member’s health status.

For general information about COVID-19, call 8-1-1, or visit HealthLinkBC:

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-covid-19.

If you have further questions, please contact Cheryl Dawes, Manager, Community Enrichment, Tel. No. 604-851-4020

Reminder to ALL TEAM MEMBERS working across the Menno Place campus of care — July 28, 2021

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Fully vaccinated staff (double dose + 14 days) can work across site and no longer need to wear a mask and goggles if registered through the Menno Place website (Click HERE to fill out the Vaccination Status form if you have not already done so).

Single vaccinated staff can work across site, wearing a mask and goggles, with a negative rapid test prior to starting their shift.

Unvaccinated staff can work across site, wearing a mask and goggles, with a negative rapid test prior to starting their shift.

Thank you for all you have done to serve and keep our residents safe in these past 16 months. Your vigilance and sacrifice are deeply appreciated.

We are grateful that this new freedom will allow us to cover vacancies and provide you with more hours of work here on the Menno Place campus.

Blessings as you serve our residents,
Karen L. Biggs, CEO

Changes to restrictions on visitation in long-term care and assisted living: what does this mean for staff?

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The province has announced that from July 19, they will be easing restrictions on visitation in long-term care and assisted living, as well as making some changes to infection prevention and control policies based on the vaccination status of individuals. SafeCare BC has been working with the Ministry of Health to understand exactly what this means for staff in the sector.

Key Safety Questions:

Do I have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if I work in long-term care?
It is strongly encouraged that everyone working in long-term care gets vaccinated. It is not mandatory in BC for care and support staff to be vaccinated, but employers have been asked by public health to share the Personal Health Numbers (PHNs) of staff. They will use this information to build their understanding of site-by-site vaccination levels.

If a staff member cannot demonstrate they are fully vaccinated, they will be required to continue wearing a mask and eye protection at all times.

Note: ‘fully vaccinated’ means you had your second dose at least 14 days ago.

How do I prove I’m fully vaccinated?
For now, employers should accept documentation, such as the cards or paper records issued at immunization sites, or the BC Health gateway. Please provide this to Menno Place using this online form – Data Collection – PHN Number, Emergency Contact, Vaccination Status

What about home care staff?
The announcements made last week apply only to long term care and assisted living settings. We expect more information to follow this month on changes for the home care sector.

Home care staff working in care homes — for example providing companionship services or foot care – are considered to be personal service providers. The province has said that all personal service providers and volunteers working in long-term care homes must be fully vaccinated.

Do I still have to wear a mask at work if I’m fully vaccinated?
No. Those working in long-term care who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear masks or eye protection unless clinically indicated for individuals on precautions or based on their point-of-care assessment, or to protect against the normal hazards in their regular work. This also applies to contractors and personal service providers who are regularly at the site.

This does not mean people will be directed to take off masks; you can still wear PPE if you wish to do so.

You will receive a sticker from your supervisor indicating that you have provided validated evidence of your fully vaccinated status.

Note: there are different rules on masking for visitors.

If I’m not fully vaccinated, will I have to take a rapid test before my shift?
The province has said that unvaccinated staff will be asked to undergo regular rapid testing. However, this does not have to be in place by July 19. More information will be available in the coming weeks about how care homes and assisted living residences can access these tests and implement rapid testing.

In the meantime, staff who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks and eye protection at work.

I’m fully vaccinated. Can I work at more than one care home after July 19?
The single-site order is still in place for now. The province has announced it is working on a plan for fully vaccinated staff to be allowed to work across ‘clusters’ of care homes. We expect more information soon on what this will mean for you and care staff.

Social Visits – What changes on Monday July 19th? Keeping you in the loop – a Memo for Visitors

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Dear visitors of residents at Menno Home, Menno Hospital and Terrace East: EFFECTIVE MONDAY JULY 19, 2021

July 8th, 2021, marked an important and exciting change for residents and visitors of long-term Care and Seniors Assisted Living homes with the announcement of changes in visiting programs for British Columbia.

As of July 19, 2021, Social Visits will follow these guidelines:

  • Visits no longer need to be pre-booked (except for evening visits in order to arrange screening)
  • Indoor social visits will no longer be limited to two adults and one child
  • Visitors will be asked to show proof of vaccination status. Menno Place will retain this information to provide to public health if needed
  • Visitors will continue to be screened for signs of illness, including a temperature check on arrival
  • Visitors will still need to provide contact tracing information
  • No Social visits will be allowed if the care home is on “outbreak” or “enhanced monitoring”
  • Visits will still take place primarily in the resident room or apartment suite
  • Visitors will continue to socially distance (6ft from others) and use effective hand hygiene
  • “Outings” (where the resident leaves the enclosed unit/building) must be arranged with the nurse and use the sign-out/sign-in protocol
  • Assisted Living outings – use the sign-out/sign-in book when going on an outing
  • Outdoor group gatherings (7 days per week) can be booked for Home and Hospital by calling Reception.
  • Visitors will wear a medical grade mask (supplied by Menno Place) while moving through the building and common areas
    • Fully vaccinated visitors may remove their masks once in direct contact with the resident they are visiting or when outdoors
    • A visitor will be considered fully vaccinated when at least 14 days passed since receiving their 2nd dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
    • Non-fully vaccinated visitors, or those unable to provide vaccination status, are required to wear a mask throughout their visit, both indoors and outdoors

What are the best hours for visiting?

  • 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (7 DAYS A WEEK – A VISITATION HOST WILL GREET AND SCREEN YOU)
  • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (7 DAYS A WEEK – PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO RECEPTION BEFORE 4PM IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT A STAFF MEMBER IS AVAILABLE TO GREET YOU)
  • If you would like to book prior to 10am, please call the nurse.

We are pleased to let you know that the Menno Place Team has facilitated:

  • 2,560 Messages of Love (March 2020 – July 2021)
  • 4,575 Zoom Calls (March 2020 – July 14, 2021)
  • 2,369 Safe Visits (August 1, 2020 – April 1, 2021)
  • 6,356 Booked Social Visits (April 1 – July 14, 2021)

15,860 TOTAL facilitated connections during COVID pandemic

We are committed to continuing to provide meaningful and safe visiting opportunities for each resident; however, each resident will have different needs for length of visits or number of visitors at one time. Please be mindful of resident’s preferences when planning your visit and length of stay.

As we adjust to the new processes, and the anticipated influx of visitors, we ask for your patience. In particular, our Visitation Hosts will need extra time to screen visitors and to confirm vaccination status. During peak visiting times, line-ups may be expected. Thank you for your understanding.

For questions or comments, please contact Garry Janzen, Life Enrichment Coordinator – 604.851.1332 during regular office hours, Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm.

Please note: The Visitation Policy is subject to change in conjunction with the Fraser Health Authority and Ministry of Health Guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I visit with all of the members of my congregation / clients? No. You may visit with one resident only per screening. You cannot go from unit to unit or from apartment suite to apartment suite.
  2. What precautions should I take if I’m visiting someone who has not been vaccinated? Consider visiting via Zoom. You should wear a mask to keep them as safe as possible. Practice social distancing and hand hygiene.
  3. Can I visit my loved one in their room and then take them out for a walk? In order to leave the unit / apartment building, you need to speak with the nurse and follow all sign-out/sign-in protocol.
  4. What about the variant? There may be additional infection prevention protocols needed as Public Health assesses the risks for the most vulnerable population, the elderly.
  5. What if I don’t want to report or provide evidence of my vaccination status to you? You will follow the same guidelines as visitors who are not fully vaccinated.
  6. What kind of evidence do you need of my vaccination status? Bring your vaccination card or your online BC Mobile Card – CLICK HERE
  7. Will the staff be wearing masks? The staff continue with the infection control protocols that have been in place throughout the COVID pandemic, including wearing masks and goggles in resident spaces.
  8. What changes for essential visitors? There is no change to the essential visitor program.

Phone Numbers:

Menno Home Reception: 604.853.2411

Menno Hospital Reception: 604.859.7631

Terrace East Reception: 604.851.4004

Garry Janzen, Life Enrichment Coordinator: 604.851.1332

Here is the link to the July 8, 2021 announcement:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0124-001331

Here is a power point presentation about the updates, prepared by the Ministry of Health.
https://bccare.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PPT-Easing-of-LTC-Visitor-Restriction-8-July-2021_FINAL.pdf

July 8, 2021 – Update to Visitation Restrictions in Assisted Living and Long-Term Care

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Easing of Restrictions on Visits to Long-Term Care and Assisted Living residents

Adrian Dix, Minister of Health has announced the easing of visitation restrictions effective July 19, 2021.
Menno Place Covid Response Team will be meeting to put a plan into place for Menno Home, Menno Hospital and Terrace East.
Here is the link to today’s announcement:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0124-001331

Here is a power point presentation about the updates, prepared by the Ministry of Health.
https://bccare.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PPT-Easing-of-LTC-Visitor-Restriction-8-July-2021_FINAL.pdf

Staff to resume wearing masks and goggles as heatwave has relented

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As the heat wave is starting to relent, staff need to resume following current COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidance.

This means that ALL staff in ALL buildings will wear a mask inside the buildings as we did prior. Masks and goggles are required in all resident spaces.

Although Phase 3 of BC’s Restart plan launched on July 1, 2021, the health and safety measures within health care facilities, including long-term care and assisted living have not changed and must continue to be followed. Staff working in independent living buildings are required to wear a mask when working in the building.

Fraser Health will continue to monitor pandemic activity during the summer and will re-evaluate current PPE guidance in the fall.

Visitors to long-term care and assisted living need to continue to wear medical masks and follow other COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

Working across campus now possible – effective July 1, 2021

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July 1, 2021

Dear Menno Place Team,

Effective immediately, with the increased “freedom” in the community and with our desperate shortage of staffing I am approving that fully vaccinated staff can work across our campus (fully vaccinated = double dose + 14 days).

Single vaccinated can work across site with a negative rapid test before going to a new site.

Thank you for all you have done to serve and keep our residents safe in these past 16 months. Your vigilance and sacrifice are deeply appreciated.

We are grateful that this new freedom will allow us to cover vacancies and provide you with more hours of work here on the Menno Place campus.

Blessings as you serve our residents,

Karen L. Biggs
Chief Executive Officer

 

Ensure that you have self-reported your double dose of vaccination
If you are double vaccinated, you may remove your goggles and masks except when in direct contact with residents. This is a temporary measure during this heatwave. You will be notified when we return to our previous COVID-protocols.

If you are double vaccinated, you may work across campus without requiring a rapid test prior to your shift.

Please provide proof of double-dose of COVID vaccination using the form below. You will be required to upload evidence of your double-dose (.jpg, .png or PDF).

Fill out my online form.