23 November 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.
Unfortunately since writing to you earlier this week, another seven residents have tested positive to the virus.
We are now caring for 30 residents with COVID-19 in Roden Cutler House, including one in Magnolia. Of the 30 residents, one has been transferred to Sutherland Hospital for further treatment, and the remaining 29 residents are experiencing symptoms ranging from mild (such as a headache and cough) to none at all. We continue to monitor all residents closely in consultation with their GPs.
To minimise the risk of transmission, we are encouraging all residents in Roden Cutler House (including Magnolia) to remain in their rooms where they are being supported with their care needs, served their meals, and supplied with activity packs to suit a range of interests.
To ensure early detection of any other cases, all residents in Roden Cutler House (including Magnolia) who have not already tested positive to COVID-19 will be tested again tomorrow via the PCR method where samples are sent off-site for laboratory analysis. Results for these tests can take up to 24 hours.
I will provide you with another update when we receive the results of these tests. If your loved one returns a positive result, staff will let you know by phone and continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.
Visiting arrangements
Visiting arrangements remain the same at this time and are detailed below.
Roden Cutler House (Ground Floor, Level 1 and Magnolia)
As we manage the risk of COVID-19 at the care centre, visiting residents in Roden Cutler House is strongly discouraged. If you do wish to continue with your plans to visit, 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 and 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
There are no changes to visiting arrangements in all other areas of the care centre.
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
