An update about IRT William Beach Gardens Aged Care Centre

26 September 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

I am writing to let you know that we have been cleared by the local public health unit to begin regular operations in Flinders East wing of your loved one’s aged care centre.

As you will recall a number of residents of the wing were diagnosed with COVID-19 just over two weeks ago. Pleasingly all are now recovered and free of symptoms, and those residents who did not contract the virus, have again returned negative results from the tests which were conducted on Friday.

As I indicated to you in my last update, now that we have received this clearance we have begun our transition out of our outbreak management plan. Among many things, this includes removal of most of the visible elements of the outbreak such as isolation signage, and additional PPE which was required to be worn by staff and visitors.

Combined resident activities will also resume and the first will held today with a concert in the outdoor garden area for residents of Flinders East, West and Grange wings.

I am also pleased to let you know that visiting arrangements for Flinders East wing are now aligned with the rest of the centre as outlined below.

Visiting arrangements 

• 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.

As I have previously stated, please do not visit 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 ongoing. The work of our staff is made easier with your patience and understanding.

Yours sincerely,

Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres