17 June 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to give you an update about your loved one’s aged care centre.
Since writing to you on Wednesday we have received sad news from our COVID-19 unit at Kirrawee about the passing away of one of our residents who had been transferred there.
On behalf of everyone at IRT I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to all of the resident’s family members and friends, including our residents and staff, who are understandably saddened by their passing.
Our staff regard it a privilege to care for our residents at the end of their life and today as they care for all our residents, they will reflect on that precious time spent with a resident now-gone, and their stories of a long life, well lived.
In other news, results from Wednesday tests for residents in Cockatoo and Kingfisher wings have confirmed another resident from the Cockatoo wing has COVID-19. The resident is experiencing a sore throat and fever, and staff are in consultation with their GP regarding their ability to start of anti-viral medication.
A number of our residents diagnosed early last week have reached their recovery criteria and some have returned from our COVID-19 unit at Kirrawee.
To this end, we are now caring for ten residents in the Cockatoo and Kingfisher wings, while three residents remain in our COVID-19 unit.
While the risk of the virus remains within the care centre we are continuing to encourage residents in Cockatoo and Kingfisher wings to remain in their rooms and avoid moving about within the building (even if they don’t have COVID-19).
For the utmost caution, all residents (who haven’t already tested positive) will be tested again tomorrow using the PCR method (which requires laboratory analysis), not via the rapid antigen method.
I will provide you with another update on Monday when we expect to have all results. If your loved one receives a positive result staff will let them know and also be in touch with you by phone.
Visiting arrangements
With the ongoing risk of COVID-19 within the care centre you are encouraged to reconsider plans to visit. If you do wish to visit please be aware of the following arrangements which remain in place:
- Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit.
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre.
- All visitors are asked to wear all necessary PPE at all times while in the care centre including a P2/N95 mask and a face shield which will be provided on entry.
- Those visiting a resident who is considered a close contact or is COVID-19 positive will also be asked to wear a gown and instructed on how to dispose of it safely.
- Please wear your PPE as instructed by staff. If a staff member asks you to adjust it they are doing so to protect you, your loved one, and all others living and working in the care centre.
As always please do not visit your loved one if you are unwell yourself with even the mildest symptoms. Even if you have tested negative for COVID-19 you may have a contagious respiratory infection.
Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Yours sincerely,
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
