Important information about IRT Diment Towers Aged Care Centre

14 June 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

Thank you for your support as we manage the risk of the parainfluenza virus within your loved one’s aged care centre.

I wrote to you last week to let you know that with some of our residents experiencing symptoms of suspected parainfluenza all residents were tested for the respiratory infection for laboratory analysis. Since then the results have confirmed that seven residents are confirmed to have parainfluenza and they are being cared for in their rooms.

They are experiencing a range of influenza type symptoms including cough, sore throat and runny nose and are being monitored closely. The Lifestyle team is supporting them in their rooms with activity packs for a variety of interests and assistance where needed with phone or video calls.

Visiting arrangements during outbreak conditions

As parainfluenza is a respiratory virus that can spread via airborne particles, the care centre is being managed according to our outbreak management plan with infection control protocols in place.

With this in mind please reconsider your need to visit your loved one at this time. If you do continue with your plans to visit please note that the following arrangements apply:

• Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit.
• Residents will be permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
• All visitors will be asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre.
• All visitors will be asked to wear all necessary PPE while in the care centre including a P2/N95 mask and a face shield which will be provided on entry.
• If you are visiting a resident who is currently unwell with respiratory infection you may be asked to wear a gown and instructed on how to dispose of it safely.
• Please assist staff by complying with all requirements to wear PPE.

Please do not visit if you are unwell yourself with even the mildest symptoms. Even if you have tested negative for COVID-19 you may still have influenza which is also highly contagious.

If you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.

Thank you for your assistance. The efforts of our staff to care for your loved one are made easier with your support.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Walsh
Acting EGM – Aged Care Centres