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Important information about IRT Thomas Holt Kirrawee Aged Care Centre

18 July 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

I am writing to provide you with an update as we manage the risk of COVID- 19 in your loved one’s aged care centre.

You will recall from my message to you on Friday that we had some residents in Magnolia Cottage return positive results from testing. The residents in consultation with their family, were transferred to our COVID-19 unit in the Flame Tree building, where they are continuing their recovery.

Since then another resident in the cottage has returned a positive test result and has joined the residents in the Flame Tree unit.

There are now currently seven residents in the COVID-19 wing, three of whom we expect to reach their recovery criteria in the coming days, and return to their previous areas. All others are being monitored closely and are stable.

Residents in Magnolia Cottage who have not tested positive are being supported by our Lifestyle team with activities of interest as they continue to be encouraged to remain in their room to help reduce the risk of transmission. These residents are being PCR tested again today.

Visiting arrangements

While we manage the risk of COVID-19 within Magnolia Cottage, visiting to this area is discouraged, however if you do wish to continue with your plans please assist staff with the following arrangements.

  • Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit the affected area of the care centre.
  • Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
  • 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.

Visiting to all other areas of the care centre is in accordance with our arrangements as outlined below:

  • There is no limit to the number of visitors (of any age) that a resident can have at any one time. I do ask that you be mindful of the surrounding environment and size of your loved one’s room.
  • 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). The stations at the care centre are self-serve so our staff can be more available to residents in their roles as carers.
  • If visitors are unable to complete their own rapid antigen test they will need to make an appointment at the care centre for the test to be conducted by staff prior to entry. Contact numbers for staff to assist are displayed at self-serve Rapid Antigen Stations.
  • Unless, as above, assistance is required with rapid antigen testing on entry, appointments for visits are not required.
  • All visitors are to complete the wellness questionnaire on arrival. This includes confirmation that they have had at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and the 2022 Influenza vaccine. This system relies mostly on honesty and we trust that you will do the right thing to keep our loved ones safe. If you are asked however, you will be asked to provide proof.
  • All visitors must wear surgical masks when visiting a resident in their room or a P2N95 mask if visiting a resident in common areas (in this case, the Care Centre will provide visitors with the P2N95 mask).
  • No cloth masks.

Please do not visit if you are unwell yourself, with even the mildest symptoms. Symptoms of respiratory infection can indicate a range of contagious viruses including COVID-19 and influenza.

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 co-operation.

Yours sincerely,

Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres

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