31 May 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to provide you with an update about how we are managing the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre and to share details about some upcoming works in Mimosa to replace the floor covering.
We are currently caring for 14 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. The residents, who live in Woodburn, Morton and Meroo, are experiencing a range of mild symptoms including a cough and runny nose. Our staff are closely monitoring all residents for symptoms of COVID-19 and are caring for those who have tested positive in their rooms.
Pleasingly four residents from Woodburn who previously tested positive to COVID-19 have reached their full recovery criteria and are now free of the virus.
Yesterday, all residents who have so far tested negative for COVID-19 in Meroo were tested via the PCR method. Also yesterday, residents in Woodburn and Morton who have so far tested negative received rapid antigen tests. I am pleased to share that both the PCR and rapid antigen tests all returned negative results.
We will continue with our ongoing testing regime to ensure early detection of any other cases. This involves testing residents in the affected areas every two-to-three days, as well as residents in other parts of the care centre who have been identified as close-contacts.
As I’ve explained previously, if your loved one returns a positive result, we will let you know by phone and continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.
Floor covering replacement in Mimosa
Earlier this month we wrote to you about work which was planned to replace the floor covering in the Mimosa Wing. This work involves removing the carpet in the common areas and hallways and replacing it with vinyl.
The work has now been rescheduled to commence on Tuesday 13 June 2023 and is estimated to take approximately seven working days to complete.
What does it mean for you and your loved one?
There will be an impact on access to some areas of Mimosa Wing at different times while the work is being done, including access to residents’ rooms, however, staff will manage this on a day-to-day basis (the work won’t prevent people entering or leaving your loved one’s room).
There will be periods of increased noise due to the need for concrete to be ground prior to laying the new vinyl. Contractors will be on site to carry out the work on weekdays only. No work will be carried out on weekends.
Should you require access to Mimosa during the period of works please contact the Care Manager to arrange your visit.
Visiting arrangements
As we manage the risk of COVID-19 at the centre, you are encouraged to postpone your visit to the care centre at this time. If you do continue with your plans to visit, please assist the care centre by complying with the following:
- All visitors are asked to complete their own rapid antigen test at home or on arrival at the centre and provide proof of the negative result (photo or actual test).
- All visitors are asked to wear a P2/N95 mask at all times and in all places when visiting the care centre, you may also be required to wear other PPE as directed by staff.
- Those visiting a resident who is considered a close contact or is COVID-19 positive will be provided with direction on any further PPE requirements by a member of staff.
- Please wear your PPE as instructed by staff. If a staff member asks you to adjust it they are doing so 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 influenza 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 Tammy Tautai on 0448 126 187.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Yours sincerely
Linzi Kells
Operations Manager – Shoalhaven Aged Care Centres
