16 September 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I have been writing to you over the past week to provide you with updates regarding your loved one’s aged care centre as we manage it in accordance with our outbreak management plan.
This followed the diagnosis of a number of our residents in Flinders East wing with COVID-19 and the potential for some residents in Flinders West wing to contract the virus as they were considered close contacts. In response we have continued precautionary testing of all other residents in both wings to ensure early detection of any other cases.
You might recall from our update to you on Wednesday that a round of these tests was scheduled to be conducted yesterday, and I’m pleased to let you know that we have received the results, and all were negative.
In other news our resident who was transferred to hospital for treatment has returned to us to continue their recovery. All other residents with the virus are regarded as stable with mild symptoms (some have no symptoms at all).
While this is good news, we are maintaining our vigilance to ensure we minimise the risk of transmission, and continue to apply all infection control protocols. This includes regular monitoring of all residents as we continue to encourage those in Flinders East wing to limit their movement and remain in their rooms where possible.
Tomorrow we will also continue our program of testing for all residents in Flinders East wing who have not yet tested positive. As there have been no positive results from several rounds of tests of Flinders West wing residents they are no longer required to be tested and can now leave their rooms to socialise with others.
Visiting arrangements
Flinders East
Visiting residents is discouraged while the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains. However if you do wish to visit the arrangements outlined below apply.
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- No children under the age of 12 years are permitted to visit.
- 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.
- Be aware of the risks. 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. This is for your own protection and that of your loved one and all others living and working in the centre.
All other areas of the care centre
As the risk of transmission within Flinders West wing is now considered low, visiting arrangements for residents there can revert to our prior arrangements; as is the case for other areas of the aged care centre as outlined below.
Please note: If you are visiting after-hours and on the weekend, please be patient while waiting for staff to open the door. If they don’t respond immediately it is because they are caring for a resident, but will respond as soon as they are able.
- There is no limit to the number of visitors (of any age) that a resident can have at any one time. I do ask that you be mindful of the surrounding environment and size of your loved one’s room.
- All visitors are asked to complete their own rapid antigen test at home or on arrival at the centre and provide proof of the negative result (photo or actual test). The stations at the care centre are self-serve so our staff can be more available to residents in their roles as carers.
- If a visitor is unable to complete their own rapid antigen test they will need to make an appointment at the care centre for the test to be conducted by staff prior to entry. Contact numbers for staff to assist are displayed at self-serve rapid antigen testing stations.
- Appointments for visits are not required, unless, as above, assistance is required with rapid antigen testing on entry.
- All visitors are to complete the wellness questionnaire on arrival. This includes confirmation that they have had at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and the 2022 influenza vaccine.
- All visitors must wear surgical masks when visiting a resident in their room or a P2N95 mask if visiting a resident in common areas (in this case, the Care Centre will provide visitors with the P2N95 mask).
- No cloth masks are permitted.
If you have had COVID-19 you must not enter an aged care centre until 10 days has passed from your diagnosis day, and you have no symptoms.
Further to the above, please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result you may still have influenza or another contagious virus.
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
