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An update about IRT William Beach Gardens Aged Care Centre

20 September 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

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

We have received the results of our last round of PCR tests for residents in Flinders East wing, and pleasingly all were negative.

In further good news, a number of residents who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 have reached their full recovery criteria and are now free of the virus.

We are now caring for nine residents in Flinders East wing with COVID-19. All residents are regarded as stable and are experiencing symptoms ranging from very mild to none at all.

We continue to apply strict infection control protocols at the care centre to minimise the risk of transmission, and this includes encouraging our residents in Flinders East wing to limit their movement and remain in their rooms where possible.

We are also continuing with our program of testing for early detection this week, with another round of PCR tests scheduled for tomorrow. These tests are for residents in Flinders East wing who have not already tested positive to the virus. Residents in other areas of the care centre do not have to be tested.

I will provide you with another update when we receive the results of these tests, and hopefully news of more of our residents reaching their full recovery criteria.

Visiting arrangements

Flinders East

Visiting residents 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

Visiting arrangements for all other areas of the aged care centre are outlined below.

  • There is no limit to the number of visitors (of any age) that a resident can have at any one time. I do ask that you be mindful of the surrounding environment and size of your loved one’s room.
  • All visitors are asked to complete their own rapid antigen test at home or on arrival at the centre and provide proof of the negative result (photo or actual test). The stations at the care centre are self-serve so our staff can be more available to residents in their roles as carers.
  • If a visitor is unable to complete their own rapid antigen test they will need to make an appointment at the care centre for the test to be conducted by staff prior to entry. Contact numbers for staff to assist are displayed at self-serve rapid antigen testing stations.
  • Appointments for visits are not required, unless, as above, assistance is required with rapid antigen testing on entry.
  • All visitors are to complete the wellness questionnaire on arrival. This includes confirmation that they have had at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and the 2022 influenza vaccine.
  • All visitors must wear surgical masks when visiting a resident in their room or a P2N95 mask if visiting a resident in common areas (in this case, the Care Centre will provide visitors with the P2N95 mask).
  • No cloth masks are permitted.
  • 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.

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.

As is always the case, 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 contagious virus.

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

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