24 October 2021
Dear family member/resident representative
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we manage the COVID-19 outbreak at IRT Tarrawanna Aged Care Centre.
While all results from yesterday’s COVID-19 tests on residents were again negative, we did have one employee test positive. The employee has been working in Kingfisher and Cockatoo, caring for our residents with COVID-19.
All residents, other than those in Kookaburra, and all employees will be tested again today.
We are currently caring for 20 residents who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 at the care centre. One resident was transferred to Wollongong Hospital yesterday for further treatment.
Resident wellbeing
We continue to have a number of residents who are stable with no symptoms, and we expect these residents to reach the recovery criteria of 14 days since returning a positive swab and three days with no symptoms, over the coming days.
Unfortunately we are still seeing some residents declining due to their age and underlying medical conditions. We are monitoring these residents closely, with the support of the Virtual Community Care team, and are continuing to keep their loved ones up to date with daily phone calls, and arranging compassionate visits where required.
We will be delivering treat bags to residents again today, and will be continuing individual exercise for residents, including walks in the hallway and to the courtyard.
Visiting and gifts
Some families have been asking when they will be able to visit their loved ones, given the recent encouraging testing results. I’m afraid it is too soon to be opening the site to any visitors, aside from those attending for end of life. Decisions around resuming visits will be made by the public health authorities at the appropriate time.
In the meantime, I encourage you to send a card or gift, if you are able. The residents are really enjoying receiving messages and gifts from their loved ones, and receiving a gift or card has become a highlight of their day.
Gifts can be dropped off between 10am – 11am and 1pm – 2pm each day at the table outside reception. Please remember to include your loved one’s name and do not send items that require refrigeration.
Ongoing communication
As the nominated representative of your loved 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 again for your ongoing patience and understanding.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
