21 April 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
The purpose of this message is to share an update as we manage the risk of parainfluenza virus at your loved one’s care centre, to provide a reminder regarding influenza vaccination requirements for visitors to our aged care centres, and to inform you about some staff changes at IRT Kangara Waters.
Parainfluenza virus update
Since my last update I am pleased to share that the resident who tested positive to parainfluenza virus at the start of the week is stable and has been deemed completely recovered.
As we have not detected any other cases of the parainfluenza virus at the aged care centre, we will now commence our transition back to regular operations at the aged care centre.
For the utmost caution we ask that you please continue to wear surgical masks within the care centre over the weekend, however you may remove your mask in your loved one’s room as per the resident’s preference.
Please ensure you also practice good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of virus infection including regularly washing hands with soap and water and using hand sanitiser available in communal areas.
As always, please do not visit your loved one if you are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. If you have a negative COVID-19 test result you may still have another type of infection which is highly contagious.
Influenza vaccination and visiting your loved one’s aged care centre
You might recall you received some information earlier in April about our influenza vaccination requirements for visitors to our aged care centres.
The purpose of this message is to remind you that from 1 May 2023 when visiting your loved one, you will be required to provide proof of having received the 2023 influenza vaccine.
This requirement is in accordance with our policy, as it has been for the past few years, where anyone (other than our residents and customers) who has not received their annual flu vaccination by 1 May 2023 will not be able to enter our aged care centres, retirement villages or customers’ homes. This includes employees, volunteers, students, contractors and visitors (aged 6 months and older). The only exception will be those with a legitimate medical exemption, or as previously mentioned, the residents and customers themselves.
The majority of our residents and staff members have already received their 2023 influenza vaccine, and as stated above, it is a mandatory requirement that all IRT employees have their annual flu vaccination by 1 May in order to enter our aged care centres, retirement villages or customers’ homes.
Vaccination is the best protection against influenza and will not only improve your own defence against serious illness but also reduce the chance of passing it on to those around you including those most vulnerable like your loved one and other residents at their care centre.
What does this mean for you?
Please ensure that you get your 2023 flu vaccination between now and 1 May 2023. Flu shots can be obtained at your local pharmacy or from your GP.
You will need to retain proof of your 2023 flu vaccination as from 1 May you will be asked to declare you have it when answering questions in the check-in process before visiting your loved one (see information below). At any time when in the care centre you may also be asked to provide evidence of this to a staff member.
Wellness check-in
From 1 May, the questions completed in the check-in process on arrival at your loved one’s care centre will be updated to include a declaration that you have received your 2023 flu vaccination.
Please make sure that you carefully read the update to the questions and answer them all honestly each time you visit.
All other visiting arrangements, including the requirement to complete a rapid antigen test before each visit, continue to apply. More details on these arrangements can be found on our website here.
Staff changes
Franki Khu, our Senior Care Coordinator, has decided to leave IRT.
Salina Pantha has been appointed to the role of Acting Senior Care Coordinator while we recruit for a permanent replacement. Salina brings a wealth of experience to the role and will be a valuable asset to the team caring for your loved one.
You can contact Salina by phone on 0448 234 198 or at spantha@irt.org.au.
Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions, please contact me.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely
Iva Vujica
Care Manager – IRT Kangara Waters
