20 March 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
I’m writing to provide you with an update as we’ve managed the risk of a contagious skin infection at your loved one’s care centre, and to also share some updated information about wearing masks when visiting.
Contagious skin infection update
I’m pleased to advise that all residents in House 3 – Endeavour have responded well to their second round of treatment and are regarded as stable.
With endorsement from the local Public Health Unit we have now formally ceased operating the care centre in accordance with our outbreak management plan and all residents are now able to leave their rooms and resume normal activities.
Updated information about wearing masks when visiting
Thank you for your support and cooperation when visiting your loved one.
While the broader community has reverted to pre-pandemic activity in almost every way, COVID-19 virus is still prevalent and still remains a risk to all older Australians including those who are most vulnerable; our aged care centre residents.
Across all our operations in NSW, ACT and Qld, it is common for us in any given week to be managing at least one outbreak of the virus in one of our aged care centres.
For this reason we remain vigilant, and we have kept the majority of our safeguards in place. After much thought however we do feel that with frequent rapid antigen testing of all staff and visitors in place, and our current wellness check-in process, that the requirements regarding mask-wearing can be amended as outlined below.
Please be aware that these requirements may change should there become an increased risk of infection transmission (for example during influenza season).
Masks – when and where?
When you enter your loved one’s aged care centre the following applies with regard to masks.
You do not have to wear a mask (unless you choose to) when:
- Walking directly from the wellness check in area to your loved one’s room
- Visiting your loved one in their room
You do have to wear a mask if:
- If your loved one asks you to wear one
- You are seated in common areas where there are residents other than your loved one
- Participating in group activities with your loved one where other residents are also participating
- When participating in a relatives and resident meeting
- In the case of an outbreak at your loved one’s aged care centre (in which case you will be directed by Care staff on what PPE is required to be worn).
Masks will be provided at various locations within the care centre.
You may notice that staff will continue to wear masks when providing direct care to residents and in other circumstances where social distancing is not possible. On most other occasions in their work day, they too are no longer required to wear a mask.
Our outbreak management plans
As mentioned above we do continue to be vigilant and, to ensure our preparedness should an outbreak occur at your loved one’s aged care centre, we regularly review and update our outbreak management plans.
Based on best practice outbreak management, and our own vast experience, we have now developed and updated three plans: a general outbreak management plan; a COVID-19 outbreak management plan; and a respiratory infection outbreak management plan.
These plans are available for you to view here.
Rapid antigen testing and wellness check-in
Please continue to support our infection prevention processes by ensuring you complete a rapid antigen test before visiting your loved one or at the care centre before you enter. If you complete your test at home be sure to take a photo of it, or bring the test with you in a plastic bag.
Please answer the wellness check-in questions honestly each time you enter.
Vaccination
Please note that while COVID-19 vaccination is no longer mandated for all visitors and staff, we strongly urge everyone to consider it in order to minimise the risk to your loved one and our other residents. We will update you on any vaccination requirements closer to the influenza season.
For all other information about visiting your loved one please see our website here.
If you have any questions about our outbreak management plans, mask-wearing, or any other details in this message please speak with your Care Manager.
Thank you once again for your continued support.
Yours sincerely
Rebecca Perry
Operations Manager – Illawarra Aged Care Centres
