Important information about IRT Tarrawanna Aged Care Centre

15 August 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

The purpose of this message is to provide you with an update about your loved one’s aged care centre as we manage it in accordance with our outbreak management plan.

On Friday I explained that two residents of Kookaburra had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and had been transferred to our COVID-19 unit in Kirrawee where they are continuing their recovery. Both are stable and are experiencing mild symptoms.

In response to this we implemented our outbreak management plan which includes a regime of precautionary COVID-19 testing for all other residents in the care centre. I’m pleased to let you know that the results of tests conducted on Friday were negative.

As an additional precaution all residents of Kookaburra and some residents from Kingfisher and Cockatoo (who participated in a joint activity) who are considered to be close contacts of those who tested positive are being cared for in their rooms. There they are being served their meals and the lifestyle team is also providing them support with activities of interest and assistance where needed with phone and video calls to family and friends.

If your loved one is considered a close contact care centre staff will notify you by phone.

Limited activities will continue in the care centre however these have been modified in response to the requirement for some of our residents to remain in their rooms.

Our testing regime will continue this week to ensure we detect any other cases as early as possible, with another round of PCR tests today. With the tests sent off site for laboratory analysis, it can take up to 24 hours for us to receive the results. If your loved one returns a positive result we will let you know by phone.  

Visiting arrangements and the wearing of PPE

Until we are certain that further transmission of the virus has not occurred within the care centre revised visiting arrangements remain in place. Please assist staff with the following:

• Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
• No children under the age of 12 are permitted to visit.
• All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test and before entering the care centre.
• All visitors are asked to wear all necessary PPE at all times while in the care centre including a P2/N95 mask and a face shield which will be provided on entry.
• Those visiting a resident who is considered a close contact or is COVID-19 positive will also be asked to wear a gown and instructed on how to dispose of it safely.
• 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 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 support.

Yours sincerely

Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres