An update about IRT Thomas Holt Kirrawee Aged Care Centre

4 August 2022

Dear family member/resident representative

I’m writing to provide an update as we manage the risk of COVID-19 in the Flame Tree building at your loved one’s care centre.

We have received some of the results from yesterday’s PCR tests and pleasingly all were negative. We are still waiting on the remainder of the results and hope to have them soon.

We are currently caring for 11 residents in our COVID-19 wing of the Flame Tree building. Eight are from level 2 of the Flame Tree building, and three are residents from other IRT aged care centres.

Of the eight residents from our centre who are in the COVID-19 wing, five have now reached their full recovery criteria and are free of the virus. These residents will be returning to their rooms on level 2 of the Flame Tree building today.

Our remaining three residents are also expected to reach their full recovery criteria tomorrow, pending a final review.

With this pleasing news, we are awaiting advice from the local public health unit regarding the status of our outbreak and hope we can begin our transition back to regular operations soon. Once we receive this advice, along with the remaining PCR results, we will let you know.

Visiting arrangements

While we continue to manage the risk of COVID-19 at the centre you are encouraged to postpone your visit at this time. If you do continue with your plans to visit however, the following arrangements remain in place:

• 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. If a staff member asks you to adjust it they are doing so to protect you, your loved one, and all others living and working in the care centre.

Please do not visit if you are unwell yourself, 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