An update about IRT Crown Gardens Aged Care Centre

19 August 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

As you will be aware, we are currently managing your loved one’s aged care centre in accordance with our outbreak management plan.

This is in response to some of our residents in the Serenity and Vitality wings being diagnosed with COVID-19. The outbreak management plan outlines best practice steps for infection control including the establishment of zones within the care centre, co-horting of staff in specific areas, and the requirements for ensuring where possible that residents remain in their rooms.

In consultation with the local public health unit, the plan also outlines the regime for regular testing of residents in the care centre to ensure any further cases are detected as early as possible.

Test results

Since writing to you all residents in the care centre who were not already diagnosed with the virus, were tested via the PCR method; where the tests go off-site for laboratory analysis.

Pleasingly we have received all results and all were negative. These residents (those who don’t have COVID-19) will be tested today and again on Monday.

Four COVID-19-positive residents are continuing their recovery at the care centre as they manage symptoms ranging from none at all to moderate and another has been transferred to hospital for further assessment and treatment.

To reduce the risk of transmission we continue to encourage all of our residents to remain in their rooms where they are being supported with their care needs and served their meals. Staff are also on hand to assist with phone and video calls where needed.

Staying connected

To connect via video calls, and if you haven’t done so already, you may wish to download to your mobile phone or tablet, our app, IRT Connect. Search for it in your app store, and log in using your mobile phone number. Go to this link to find out more and to book a video call with your loved one please contact our Customer Service Team on 134 478.

I will provide you with another update early next week which will include the results of today’s tests and those conducted on Monday. As previously explained, if your loved one returns a positive result, staff will let you know by phone and continue to update you on their progress.

Visiting arrangements

While the risk of transmission remains within the care centre, visiting is strongly discouraged, however if you do wish to continue with your plans to visit, please assist staff with the following arrangements:

• Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
• No children under the age of 12 years are permitted to visit.
• Before entering the care centre, all visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test which has been undertaken on the day of visiting. Tests along with instructions are available at the care centre.
• All visitors are asked to wear a P2/N95 mask when visiting and other PPE as directed by staff.
• 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.

Please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result you may still have influenza which is highly contagious.

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 support.

Yours sincerely

Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres