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An update about IRT Tarrawanna Aged Care Centre

23 June 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

I am writing to provide you with an update about your loved one’s aged care centre as we manage the risk of COVID-19.

As you know we have been managing the centre in accordance with our outbreak management plan, with a number of residents in the Cockatoo and Kingfisher wings diagnosed with COVID-19.

While many residents have since recovered, we continued our regime of regular testing this week to ensure early detection of any further cases. On Tuesday all residents in the Cockatoo and Kingfisher wings (other than those already diagnosed with COVID-19) were tested again and pleasingly all results have been received and were negative. We have appreciated the co-operation of our residents, and patience with this testing process.

With this pleasing progress at the aged care centre, we have now received guidance from the NSW Public Health Unit to begin our transition back to regular operations which includes the easing of a number of the infection control protocols we have in place at the care centre.

Updated visiting arrangements

I am pleased to provide you with updated visiting arrangements at your loved one’s aged care centre. From tomorrow, the following arrangements will apply:

  • There is no limit to the number of visitors (of any age) that a resident can have at any one time. I do ask that you be mindful of the surrounding environment and size of your loved one’s room.
  • All visitors are asked to complete their own rapid antigen test at home or on arrival at the centre and provide proof of the negative result (photo or actual test). The stations at the care centre will be self-serve so our staff can be more available to residents in their roles as carers.
  • If a visitor is unable to complete their own rapid antigen test they will need to make an appointment at the care centre for the test to be conducted by staff prior to entry. Contact numbers for staff to assist will be displayed at self-serve rapid antigen testing stations.
  • Unless, as above, assistance is required with rapid antigen testing on entry appointments for visits are no longer required.
  • All visitors are to complete the wellness questionnaire on arrival. This includes confirmation that they have had at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and the 2022 influenza vaccine. This system relies mostly on honesty and we trust that you will do the right thing to keep your loved ones safe. If asked, you will be required to show proof.
  • All visitors must wear surgical masks when visiting a resident in their room or a P2N95 mask if visiting a resident in common areas (in this case, the Care Centre will provide visitors with the P2N95 mask). No cloth masks are permitted at the aged care centre.

Please do not visit the care centre if you are unwell with even the mildest symptoms (even if you test negative on your rapid antigen test), or if you are awaiting the result of a PCR test. Symptoms of respiratory infection can indicate a range of contagious viruses including COVID-19 and influenza.

Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation.

Yours sincerely,

Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres

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