Important information about IRT Greenwell Gardens Aged Care Centre

16 October 2024

Dear family member/resident representative,

I’m writing to provide you with an update regarding the gastroenteritis-like illness at your loved one’s aged care centre, and to let you know about a change to our requirements for rapid antigen tests (RATs) when you visit your loved one.

Gastroenteritis outbreak update

Thank you for your support as we managed the risk of a gastroenteritis-like illness within IRT Greenwell Gardens Aged Care Centre. 

I’m pleased to share that all residents who were experiencing gastroenteritis-like symptoms have now recovered, and there are no new residents experiencing similar symptoms.

With this news the Public Health Unit has advised that this outbreak is considered resolved and has approved our transition out of outbreak conditions at the care centre.

Rotavirus warning

Public Health units have issued a warning about the increased risk in the prevalence of a particular gastroenteritis virus – Rotavirus. This virus is highly contagious and can cause severe symptoms especially in older Australians and those with reduced immunity.

The best defence against gastroenteritis infection is washing our hands in warm, soapy water. It will be most effective if you lather your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday twice if you’re not sure). It is important to do this before visiting your loved one and during your visit, especially if you are helping them with food or personal care.

Should you experience any gastroenteritis-like symptoms, you are urged to stay away from the care centre until at least 48 hours after your symptoms resolve. Until then you will likely still be contagious and risk spreading it to your loved one, their fellow residents, and staff.

Changes to visiting arrangements

As we approach the warmer months and the risk of COVID-19 reduces, you are no longer required to provide evidence of a rapid antigen test (RAT) when visiting your loved one. You are welcome to continue with the precaution with your own testing kit.

Exception

If your loved one’s aged care centre is managing an outbreak of COVID-19 or exposure to the virus, we will re-introduce the requirement for rapid antigen testing, and provide testing kits at the entrance to your loved one’s care centre. If this happens you will be notified via the usual channels.

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 or Influenza 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

Debbie Andrews
Operations Manager – Shoalhaven Aged Care Centres