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An update about IRT Tarrawanna Aged Care Centre

20 October 2021

Dear family member/resident representative,

Firstly I would like to thank you for your ongoing patience and support as we manage the COVID-19 outbreak at your loved one’s aged care centre.

We continue to work with local, state and federal health authorities to ensure the care centre is managed in accordance with our outbreak management plan and with strict infection control protocols in place.

Test results

Results of yesterday’s tests of residents were received quite late last night and we received positive results for one resident of Lorikeet, and one employee.

The resident who is fully vaccinated, does not have any symptoms, and has been transferred to the area of the centre in which other positive residents are being cared for.

The employee is fully vaccinated and is isolating at home.

Follow up testing

All residents and employees will again be tested today. I have not previously explained, but for clarity the daily testing protocol does include all people who enter the centre to work including contractors and agency staff.

Residents diagnosed with COVID-19 continue to experience a range of symptoms including a fever and cough, while others are still relatively symptom-free and one resident who tested positive early in the outbreak is already showing signs of improvement and recovery.

All residents are being monitored closely with support from Virtual Community Care team. These consultations include support of our residents who are palliating and have tested positive for COVID-19.

Overnight we had one resident return from hospital and they are pleased to have returned home. This means there are now currently 19 residents with COVID-19 at the Care Centre and four residents in Wollongong Hospital receiving treatment. We are in regular contact with the hospital and their nominated representatives for updates.

Staying connected

Today our Lifestyle team is developing a schedule to facilitate phone and video calls for residents and their families. To assist them it would be appreciated if you could pre-book your calls. Please contact Lisa Bainbridge on the following mobile phone number 0407 903 824 to make your booking. If you have already have a regular routine of calling this will be factored into the schedule.

Today the team is also assisting where needed with activities and exercises for residents in their rooms to help maintain strength and mobility.

Gifts and visiting

As previously advised, the centre remains closed to all visitors (except for those attending for end of life) and gifts can be dropped off between 10am – 11am and 1pm – 2pm each day, at the table outside reception. Please include your loved one’s name and do not send items that require refrigeration.

Zoom session with Seniors Rights Service

If you missed last Friday’s Zoom meeting, facilitated by the Seniors Rights Service a recording of it can be viewed at the link below:

IRT Tarrawanna Care Centre Residents and Family Zoom Meeting – YouTube

Ongoing communication

As the nominated representative of your love one, I will continue to update you via this daily email and the team will continue making daily calls. Please pass on this information to other family contacts as appropriate.

If you have any questions or concerns we would appreciate it if you called our Customer Service Team on 134 478.

Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding.

Yours sincerely

Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres

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