18 July 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your support as we manage the risk of COVID-19 in your loved one’s aged care centre.
On Friday I let you know that a resident in our Melaleuca wing had been diagnosed with COVID-19 following a positive test result. In response, and to ensure we detected any other cases as early as possible we arranged for all residents in the care centre to be tested via the PCR method on Saturday (where the tests are sent off-site to a laboratory for analysis).
We have received the results of those tests which have confirmed another four residents to have the virus. The residents are from both Melaleuca and Grevillia wings and to minimise the risk, all residents in those wings have been encouraged to remain in their rooms where they are being monitored regularly and served their meals with support from the Lifestyle team.
The five residents who have tested positive are all stable with symptoms ranging from none at all, to mild.
The resident in the Boronia wing who had been in close contact with the virus has not tested positive, however we continue to monitor them closely.
As a further precautionary measure all residents in the care centre will be tested again tomorrow via the PCR method and we will let you know the results when we receive them (this can take up to 24 hours).
If your loved one returns a positive result, staff will let you know by phone, and a member of staff will continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.
Visiting arrangements
The following arrangements apply for those planning to visit the centre.
Melaleuca and Grevillia wings
While the risk of COVID-19 within these wings remains high, until further notice we have reluctantly closed both Grevillia and Melaleuca wings to all visitors, unless by special arrangement with the Care Manager.
All other areas of the care centre
You are strongly discouraged from visiting but if you do wish to visit please assist staff by complying with the following arrangements which will apply from tomorrow.
- Two visitors per resident and by appointment only.
- No children under the age of 12 years.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre.
- All visitors are asked to wear a P2/N95 mask when visiting and other PPE as directed by staff.
- Please wear your mask as instructed by staff. If a staff member asks you to adjust it they are doing so to protect you, your loved one, and all others living and working in the care centre.
As always please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result you may still have influenza or another virus which is highly contagious.
Gifts or package deliveries
If your loved one is in the Melaleuca or Grevillia wings and you would like to deliver them a gift or package we will be pleased to make sure they receive it. Please mark the resident’s name clearly on the package and leave it at Reception.
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
