Important information about IRT Woodlands Aged Care Centre

25 November 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

I am writing to let you know that some residents at your loved one’s aged care centre have tested positive to COVID-19. In response we have implemented our outbreak management plan.

There are currently three residents confirmed to have the virus; one from Grevillia wing and two from our Acacia wing.

All are experiencing mild symptoms and are being closely monitored as we care for them in their rooms. In consultation with their GPs they have commenced anti-viral medication.

All other residents in the care centre are being tested today (PCR method where tests are sent off site for analysis). This is a standard precautionary measure to ensure early detection of any other cases and in accordance with best practice outbreak management.

If your loved one returns a positive result staff will contact you directly by phone and continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.

A number of other measures have been implemented in response including all relevant infection control protocols and in order to reduce the risk of transmission all residents are being encouraged to remain in their rooms where they will be served their meals and supported with their care needs.

The local public health unit has also been notified and we will continue to liaise with them.

I will provide you with another update like this one early next week.

Visiting arrangements

If you have plans to visit your loved one in the coming days, you are encouraged to postpone any plans to visit at this time. However if you do continue with your plans to visit, please assist the care centre by complying with the following:

• Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit the care centre.
• Residents are permitted 2 visitors only.
• 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 may be asked to wear additional PPE and instructed by staff on how to dispose of it safely.
• Please wear your PPE as instructed. 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 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 another type of infection 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

Kevin Donahoe
General Manager Queensland