4 April 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
This is an update about how we are managing the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre and to provide you with important information about our policy for the annual flu vaccination.
COVID-19 update
Unfortunately two more residents who live on Level 1 of Roden Cutler House have tested positive for COVID-19. We are now caring for a total of four residents, all on level 1 of Roden Cutler House who have tested positive for COVID-19. They are being cared for in their rooms and are being closely monitored by our staff.
Residents on ground level and level 1 of Roden Cutler House are receiving PCR tests today. If your loved one returns a positive result, staff will let you know by phone and continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.
If you plan to visit Roden Cutler House, please note that children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit ground level or level 1. All visitors to any area of the care centre are asked to comply 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 when visiting and 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.
Annual flu vaccination for visitors
For the past few years, in accordance with our policy, it has been a requirement for anyone (other than residents and customers) entering our aged care centres, retirement villages or customers’ homes to provide proof of their annual flu vaccination by 1 May.
This year, there is no change to our policy, and I am urging you now to plan your vaccination date in order to meet our deadline of 1 May 2023.
Anyone who has not received their flu vaccination by 1 May 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.
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.
Why is the flu vaccination important?
Vaccination is the best protection against influenza and helps to reduce our risk of not only contracting influenza, but also spreading it to other people, such as our vulnerable residents and customers. This is particularly important as infected people can pass the virus on to others before they even know they’re sick.
For most of us there is simply no question about getting the flu vaccine, especially if we have experienced a bad bout of flu or know someone who has. Getting vaccinated is not just important for the safety of our residents and customers, but also for our own health and wellbeing as well as that of our family, friends and colleagues.
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.
Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate. If you have any questions please contact your Care Manager
Thank you once again for your continued support and co-operation.
Yours sincerely
Debbie Andrews
Operations Manager South East Sydney – Aged Care Centres
