Important information about IRT Five Islands Aged Care Centre

15 August 2022

Thank you for your ongoing support as we manage the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre. The work of our staff is made easier with your patience and understanding.

Since writing to you late last week we have received results of PCR tests for all residents in House 1, confirming another two residents to have the virus. This includes confirmation that a resident who had tested positive via rapid antigen test had the virus.

The residents are experiencing a range of mild symptoms such as sore throat and fever and are being monitored regularly as we care for them in their rooms. The initial residents who tested positive are continuing their recovery at our COVID-19 unit at Kirrawee and they too are experiencing mild symptoms.

All other residents in House 1 are encouraged to remain their rooms where we are providing them support with their care needs and the lifestyle team is assisting where required with phone or video calls, as well as ensuring they have access to a range of activities to suit their interests (such as crossword puzzles, sudoku, trivia and other word puzzles).

As previously explained, to ensure we detect any other cases as soon as possible, all residents in House 1 will be tested again today. The tests will be sent off site for laboratory analysis and we expect to receive the results within about 24 hours. If your loved one returns a positive result staff will let you know.

Visiting arrangements

Until we are certain there is no further risk of transmission within the care centre you are encouraged postpone your visit but if you do continue with your plans to visit, please assist staff 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.
• 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 and other PPE as directed by staff, such as a face shield and gown. All required PPE 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.

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 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.

Yours sincerely

Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres