22 June 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your ongoing support as we manage the risk of COVID-19 in your loved one’s aged care centre.
I am sad to be beginning this message by letting you know that unfortunately one of our residents who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 passed away yesterday evening. The woman, who was on a palliative pathway prior to testing positive to COVID-19, was able to be visited by her family yesterday.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends, including our Greenwell Gardens residents and staff, as they grieve their loss.
We are continuing to care for 12 residents who are COVID-19 positive at the aged care centre. Two of these residents (one in Callala House and one in Currarong) have reached their recovery criteria today and will be free to join the rest of the care centre following a review from our Clinical Team.
As I mentioned to you in my message yesterday, all residents who have not yet tested positive to COVID-19 in Currarong and Callala House will be tested again via PCR tomorrow. I will update you on the results on Friday, however if your loved one tests positive to COVID-19 you will be contacted directly by the aged care centre.
Visiting arrangements and the wearing of PPE
A reminder to reconsider your visit at this time or the need to take your loved one out of the centre. If you do proceed please assist staff by complying with the following:
- Do not bring children under 12 years of age to the aged care centre.
- Residents will be permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- All visitors will be asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre.
- All visitors will be asked to wear all necessary PPE 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 co-operate with staff if they ask you to adjust your PPE so that it is worn correctly. They are working to ensure the safety of all our residents and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading within the centre.
- If you do take your loved one on an outing please be mindful of the risks within the broader community and be aware that your loved one will be required to complete a rapid antigen test on their return to the centre.
Please do not visit the care centre if you are unwell with even the mildest symptoms. Even if you have tested negative for COVID-19 you could have influenza which is also highly contagious.
Please pass this information on to others in your family as you consider appropriate.
If you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Yours sincerely,
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
