15 April 2024
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to let you know that we currently caring for a small number of residents with gastroenteritis-like symptoms at your loved one’s aged care centre.
The four residents live in the dementia support unit in the centre, and are being encouraged to remain in their rooms with strict infection control protocols being followed in their care. We are monitoring the residents closely in consultation with their GPs.
The NSW Public Health Unit has been notified, and strict infection control protocols are in place site-wide, including the allocation of staff to specific areas, reinforcement of the correct use of PPE, thorough and frequent hand-washing with soap and water (this is deemed more effective than hand sanitiser for gastroenteritis-like viruses) and the close monitoring of all residents for any symptoms.
If your loved one becomes unwell, staff will contact you and will continue to keep you updated on their progress towards recovery.
Visiting arrangements
As this is a highly contagious illness, you are strongly encouraged to reconsider any plans to visit. If you do choose to proceed with a visit, do so with an understanding of the risk of the illness.
Please note that all visitors to the dementia support unit will be required to wear additional PPE when visiting including a surgical mask.
More details on our visiting arrangements including PPE requirements can be found here.
Further to the above, 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 another type of infection 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
Belinda Pheeney
Acting Operations Manager Sydney – Aged Care Centres
