16 October 2021
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am very sad to advise that one of the residents who tested positive for COVID-19 on the evening of 14 October passed away last night.
The resident was in his 90s and fully vaccinated, and only had very mild symptoms prior to his sudden passing.
On behalf of everyone at IRT I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to all of the resident’s family members and friends, including our Tarrawanna residents and staff, who are understandably shocked and saddened by his death. It is never easy to lose a loved one, and even harder under these circumstances.
All other residents diagnosed with COVID-19 remain stable at this time. Some continue to experience a range of symptoms including a fever and cough, while others are still relatively symptom-free. We continue to monitor them closely, as well as all our other residents who have not tested positive.
Grouping of residents
As an added precaution, and under the advice of health authorities, we have transferred 11 residents who do not have the virus, but whose rooms are located close to those who do, to Lawrence Hargrave Hospital.
The residents with COVID-19 who were at Lawrence Hargrave Hospital have either returned to IRT Tarrawanna or been transferred to Wollongong Hospital, depending on their existing health conditions.
I have called the nominated representatives of all residents affected by these transfers.
There are currently 13 residents with COVID-19 at the Care Centre and 6 at Wollongong Hospital.
Testing today
All residents and staff will be tested again today and tomorrow.
We continue to work closely with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and other health authorities, and together with them, we are doing everything possible to contain the virus.
We understand it is difficult for residents to be isolated in their rooms for a long period of time and will continue to do what we can to support their wellbeing, including organising phone and video calls to family and friends. Treat bags will be delivered again this afternoon.
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.
Ongoing communication
As the nominated representative of your love one, I will continue to update you via this daily email, and our team will continue to contact you by phone each day. I encourage you to pass on this information to other family contacts as appropriate.
We are very grateful to our residents and their families for their patience and understanding at this difficult time.
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
