Important information about Marco Polo Woonona Aged Care Centre

6 May 2025

Dear family member/resident representative,

I am writing to let you know that we are currently caring for a small number of residents with gastroenteritis-like symptoms at your loved one’s aged care centre.

The residents are experiencing some mild symptoms and are being encouraged to remain in their rooms where we are monitoring them closely in consultation with their GPs.

The NSW Public Health Unit has been notified, and strict infection control protocols are in place site-wide, including the allocation of staff to specific areas, reinforcement of the correct use of PPE, thorough and frequent hand-washing with soap and water (this is deemed more effective than hand sanitiser for gastroenteritis-like viruses) and the close monitoring of all residents for any symptoms.

If your loved one becomes unwell, staff will contact you and will continue to keep you updated on their progress towards recovery.

Visiting arrangements

As this is a highly contagious illness, you are strongly encouraged to reconsider any plans to visit. If you do choose to proceed with a visit, do so with an understanding of the risk of the illness.

Anyone visiting a resident who is displaying gastroenteritis-like symptoms will be required to wear PPE including a surgical mask, gown and gloves.

We also ask that you remain vigilant in washing your hands with soap and water to protect your loved one and yourself from getting sick. Information on correct hand hygiene procedures, including how to correctly wash your hands with soap and water can be found here.

More details on our visiting arrangements including PPE requirements can be found here.

Further to the above, please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild.

Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions, please contact your Care Manager.

Start planning your annual flu vaccination

As we anticipate the cooler months and upcoming flu season, now’s the time to start planning for your annual influenza vaccination.

We strongly encourage all visitors to our aged care centres to have an annual flu vaccination, which can be obtained at your local pharmacy or from your GP.

For most of us there is simply no question about getting the flu vaccine, especially if we have experienced a bad bout of flu or know someone who has. Getting vaccinated is not just important for the safety of our residents and customers, but also for our own health and wellbeing as well as that of our family, friends and colleagues.

Thank you for your support.

Yours sincerely

Rebecca Perry
Operations Manager – Illawarra Aged Care Centres