14 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 we manage the risk of COVID-19 transmission within the Flinders East and West wings.
As you will recall a number of residents of Flinders East wing of the care centre have been diagnosed with COVID-19 following detection by PCR testing. The first of the residents contracted the virus late last week and we are now caring for 13 residents at the care centre as they continue their recovery.
The majority of residents with the virus are experiencing symptoms ranging from mild to none at all, and are doing well as they continue their recovery. However one resident has been transferred to hospital for further management of their symptoms.
Since my update to you on Monday I am pleased to confirm that results of further precautionary PCR tests have all been negative. This includes the testing of residents of Flinders West wing who were considered to be close contacts of the original residents who tested positive.
For the utmost caution, we will continue our regime of PCR tests, with another round tomorrow for residents in Flinders East wing who haven’t been diagnosed with the virus (and those in Flinders West who are considered to be close contacts). I will provide you with another update on Friday when we hope to have news of the test results.
We continue to monitor all residents closely as we encourage them to remain in their rooms as much as possible, where they are being served their meals.
We realise for some residents this can be challenging, and are supporting them with activities, help with phone and video calls to family and friends, and escorted COVID-19-safe walks.
Visiting arrangements
Flinders East and West
Visiting residents in these wings is discouraged while the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains. However if you do wish to visit the arrangements outlined below apply.
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- No children under the age of 12 years are 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.
- Be aware of the risks. 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. This is for your own protection and that of your loved one and all others living and working in the centre.
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 the 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.
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 such as RSV 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 support.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
