13 October 2021
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your support and understanding as we manage your loved one’s aged care centre in accordance with our outbreak management plan.
Yesterday I let you know that all residents and staff were again being tested and by last night of the results we had received for our residents, one resident had tested positive.
The resident, who is fully vaccinated, has mild symptoms and we have been in touch with their nominated representative to let them know.
There has been no change in the condition of all residents diagnosed with COVID-19. Some are experiencing mild symptoms while others are experiencing none at all and we continue to monitor the seven residents remaining at the care centre closely.
Our eight residents, who are in either Wollongong or Lawrence Hargrave Hospital for closer monitoring of existing health conditions, remain stable. We are in regular contact with the hospitals on their progress.
All results from yesterday’s tests on employees that we have received so far, are negative. Our two employees who have tested positive are recovering at home and also experiencing mild symptoms.
We have been asked if we are yet to know the source of the infection but so far we do not. The Public Health unit has been investigating this via test result analysis and contact tracing and is yet to determine a source.
We remain focussed on operating in accordance with our outbreak management plan, with strict infection control protocols in place. As our residents remain in their rooms our Lifestyle team is providing them with a range of activities for their enjoyment as well as a series of gentle exercises to ensure they maintain their strength and mobility.
They are assisting where needed with phone and video calls to family and friends. If you are talking with your loved one and have any concerns about them please let us know. Our Catering team also continues to supply a range of treats with individually wrapped Tim Tams being a popular item yesterday.
Testing again tomorrow
All residents and staff will be tested again tomorrow. As I explained yesterday staff who have not been at work, but isolating, will complete their tests at local drive through testing stations.
I realise the continued testing is uncomfortable for some of our residents but I am grateful for their cooperation with this important process.
Information session
We are pleased to invite you to an open information session this Friday (15 October) at 3pm. Conducted via Zoom, and to be hosted by the Seniors Rights Service the session will allow you to ask questions and have them answered in a facilitated, open and informative forum. Our residents will also be invited to attend.
Our CEO Patrick Reid and I will join a panel which will include representatives of the state and federal health departments as well as the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. I encourage you to attend to ask questions and provide feedback please make time in your calendar. I will provide you with the Zoom link in my update to you tomorrow.
Ongoing communication
As you are a nominated representative I will continue to update you, via this daily email and our team will continue to contact you by phone. We are not able to communicate with all family members so please pass on this information to other family contacts as you deem appropriate.
Delivery of Gifts
The residents have enjoyed receiving their gifts. Please assist with the following when ordering them for delivery, or dropping them off:
- Remember to include your loved one’s name on the gift so we can ensure it goes to the right person
- All items to be delivered between 10am – 11am or 1pm – 2pm
- All items to be placed on a table which has been positioned and is identified as the table for gift delivery outside reception (this has been moved further undercover from the rain but is still easily identified)
- Do not send items that require refrigeration
No visiting
As previously stated the centre remains closed to all visitors (other than those attending for end of life).
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 understanding and support.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
