13 September 2022
Dear family member/resident representative
I am writing to provide you with an update about your loved one’s aged care centre.
As you know we have been managing Levels 1 and 4 of our Flametree building in accordance with our outbreak management plan as a number of residents were diagnosed with COVID-19 last week.
Since my update to you last week, four more residents from Level 4 have returned positive test results and are confirmed to have the virus.
In consultation with their nominated representatives, these residents have transferred to our COVID-19 unit on Level 1 where they have joined other residents for their recovery and commenced anti-viral medication.
In positive news four residents who were diagnosed early during this outbreak have already reached full recovery and transferred back to their rooms on Level 4.
Those yet to be deemed recovered are experiencing symptoms ranging from mild to none at all.
We continue to routinely test all other residents on Level 4 who have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 to ensure early detection; and those residents will be tested again today.
To minimise the risk of transmission we are encouraging residents to remain in their rooms but we recognise this can be challenging for some so the Lifestyle team is providing support where needed with escorted walks and one-on-one activities.
The team is also assisting residents to connect with family and friends by phone or video calls. If you would like to arrange a phone or video call with your loved one please contact the Lifestyle team and they will organise it for you.
I will provide you with another update later this week when we hope to have results from today’s tests.
Visiting arrangements
Flametree Level 4 and Level 1
While the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains within this area, visiting is strongly discouraged. Please contact the Care Manager to discuss any plans to visit and you will be guided on how to make it as COVID-19-safe as possible.
All other areas of the care centre
There are no changes to visiting in all other areas of the care centre. If you are visiting after-hours and on a weekend, please be patient while waiting for staff to open the door. If they don’t respond immediately it is because they are caring for a resident, but will respond as soon as they are able.
Please note that if you have had COVID-19 you must not enter an aged care centre until 10 days has passed from your diagnosis day, and you have no symptoms.
Further to the above please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result. You may still have influenza or another virus which is highly contagious
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
