2 December 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your support and patience as we manage the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre.
Since my last update to you on Tuesday, a further two residents at your loved one’s aged care centre have tested positive to COVID-19. One of the COVID-positive residents lives in Roden Cutler House, while the other resident is on level three of the Flame Tree building.
We are currently caring for five residents with COVID-19, with now only one resident remaining in Sutherland Hospital for further treatment – the other resident who was also in hospital was discharged back home to the care centre. All those residents diagnosed with the virus who remain at the care centre are experiencing very few symptoms and we continue to monitor them closely in consultation with their GPs and family.
To ensure we detect any other cases as soon as possible, and in line with public health unit advice, residents in Roden Cutler House (including Magnolia) and level three of the Flame Tree building will be tested via the PCR method today. I will provide you with another update early next week when we receive the results of these tests. If your loved one returns a positive result, staff will let you know by phone and keep you updated on their progress.
Visiting arrangements
Roden Cutler House (Ground Floor, Level 1 and Magnolia)
As we manage the risk of COVID-19 at the care centre, visiting arrangements for Roden Cutler House remain the same at this time:
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre.
- All visitors are asked to wear all necessary PPE at all times while in the care centre including a P2/N95 mask and a face shield which will be provided on entry.
- Those visiting a resident who is considered a close contact or is COVID-19 positive will also be asked to wear a gown and instructed on how to dispose of it safely.
- Please wear your PPE as instructed by staff.
All other areas of the care centre
While there are no changes to visiting arrangements in all other areas of the care centre, the local public health unit strongly recommends that visiting and outings for residents on level three of the Flame Tree building are minimised at this time.
Please do not visit if you are feeling unwell with even the mildest symptoms. Symptoms of respiratory infection can indicate a range of contagious viruses including COVID-19 and influenza.
Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions, please contact your Care Manager.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
