8 August 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 it in accordance with our outbreak management plan. I am also writing to remind you about the importance of complying with our current visiting arrangements and requirements regarding the wearing of your PPE as instructed by staff.
Since my update to you on Friday all residents in the care centre who hadn’t already tested positive for COVID-19 were tested on Saturday.
The results have confirmed some more residents to be diagnosed with the virus. There are now ten residents confirmed to have COVID-19 in the Dementia Secure Unit; four residents on level 2 and eight residents on level 3. They are being monitored regularly and are experiencing a range of mild symptoms including a cough, fever and sore throat.
One resident remains in Westmead Hospital where they are receiving further treatment and management of their symptoms.
In accordance with our outbreak management plan all residents are encouraged to remain in their rooms where they are being supported by staff with their care needs and served their meals.
All infection control protocols are in place with staff co-horted to work in specific areas to reduce the risk of transmission, and your loved one will notice them wearing additional PPE.
To detect any other cases as early as possible, all residents in the care centre will be tested again today, and we will await the results which are provided to us from an external laboratory.
I will provide another update later in the week when we hope to have the results, but if your loved one returns a positive result staff will let you know by phone and will continue to provide you with daily updates on their progress.
Visiting arrangements
Please assist staff by complying with the following arrangements which have been implemented to reduce the risk of transmission to all those in the centre including your loved one, other residents, staff and visitors.
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only and strictly by appointment only.
- No children under the age of 12 years are permitted to visit. I know this is challenging but please do not bring children to the centre while we are managing an outbreak of COVID-19.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre. If you complete the test at the centre please wait 15 minutes before entering.
- All visitors must wear all necessary PPE properly at all times while in the care centre including a P2/N95 mask, face shield and gown which will be provided on entry. You will also be instructed on how to dispose of your PPE safely when leaving.
- If a staff member asks you to adjust your PPE they are doing so because they know how it is to be worn in order to protect you, your loved one, and all others living and working in the care centre.
Importantly, 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 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 co-operation. The work of our staff is made easier when they know they have your support.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
