12 August 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.
Sadly I begin this update with news of a resident who passed away late yesterday.
The resident who was 100 years old had been on their palliative pathway before being diagnosed with the virus.
On behalf of IRT I extend our condolences to their family and friends. They were a resident with us for some time, and will be greatly missed by all staff and their friends at IRT Berala on the Park.
Our thoughts today are of that resident and our reflections are on the connections they made with us and others during their time in our care.
Test results
We received the results of Wednesday’s PCR tests which have confirmed one more resident on level 3 to have the virus. Pleasingly, however, all other results came back negative.
We are now caring for 25 residents with COVID-19 at the centre; ten are in the Dementia Secure Unit, four are on level 2, and 11 are on level 3.
All residents are experiencing a range of mild symptoms including a cough, fever and sore throat and are being monitored regularly as we care for them in their rooms. We also have one resident who remains in Westmead Hospital where they are receiving further treatment and management of their symptoms.
To minimise the risk of transmission, all residents are being encouraged to remain in their rooms where they are being supported by staff with their care needs, served their meals and supplied with activity packs to suit a range of interests.
We are continuing with our program of testing for early detection and will be testing all residents who have not already tested positive to COVID-19 again today via the PCR method.
I will provide another update early next week which will include the results of those tests. As previously mentioned, 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
While we continue to manage the risk of COVID-19 at the centre you are encouraged to postpone your visit at this time. If you do continue with your plans to visit, please assist the care centre by complying with the following:
- 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.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
