6 April 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to provide an update before the Easter long weekend about how we are managing the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre. This update also includes information about the reopening of Ochre Café.
COVID-19 update
We continue to care for a total of four residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 on ground level and level 1 of Roden Cutler House. These residents are being cared for in their rooms and are being closely monitored by staff.
Residents who live on these floors 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.
My next update to you will be on Tuesday following the Easter long weekend. 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. Further information about visiting arrangements can be found at the end of this update.
Ochre Café is now open
I am pleased to share that the Ochre Café at IRT Thomas Holt Kirrawee is now open after an extended closure due to previous COVID-19 restrictions.
The café is located in the Flame Tree building and is open from 7.30am to 2.30pm seven days a week (excluding public holidays). The café operator Luciana will be serving light refreshments including cakes, pies, coffee and drinks and is looking forward to meeting members of our IRT Thomas Holt community.
We ask visitors to the café to be mindful of the wellbeing of residents and other visitors to the care centre and to not visit the café if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. Please be aware that visiting arrangements to the café may change if the care centre is managing an outbreak (in which case, some restrictions may apply).
Visiting arrangements
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.
All other visiting arrangements can be found on our website here.
Remember if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild, please do not visit. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 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. 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
