5 September 2022
Dear family member/resident representative
I am writing to provide you with an update on your loved one’s aged care centre.
In recent days, we have had some residents from Level 4 of the Flametree building test positive for COVID-19. They are experiencing a range of mild symptoms and, in consultation with their nominated representatives, have been transferred to our COVID-19 unit on Level 1 of the Flametree building.
They are being monitored regularly and where applicable have also been prescribed anti-viral medication by their GPs.
In response to this we have implemented our outbreak management plan including a number of infection control protocols to ensure the risk of transmission is reduced at the aged care centre. This includes co-horting of staff to specific areas, and implementation of a COVID-19 testing regime to ensure early detection of any other cases.
All other residents (those who haven’t tested positive) on Level 4 will be tested today and again on Wednesday via the PCR process in which the tests are sent off site for laboratory analysis.
I will provide you with regular updates like this one, but if your loved one returns a positive result staff will be in touch with you by phone to let you know.
Until we are certain the risk of transmission on Level 4 has been contained, all residents there are encouraged to remain in their rooms but we recognise for some this is challenging. In these circumstances and where possible, staff are providing support with escorted walks and one on one activities. Meals are being served to residents in their rooms.
We are now in consultation with the local public health unit as we manage all elements of our outbreak management plan including the implementation of the following arrangements for those who wish to visit the care centre.
Visiting arrangements
Flametree Level 4
While there is a risk of COVID-19 transmission within this area, visiting is strongly discouraged. If you wish to proceed with your plans to visit please contact the Care Manager to make an appointment.
All other areas
There is no change to the arrangements currently in place.
Please note
The reduced isolation period from 7 days to 5 days, as publicly announced for the wider community last week, does not apply to people visiting an aged care centre. If you have had COVID-19 you must not enter an aged care centre until 10 days has passed from your diagnosis day, and you have no symptoms.
Further to the above please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result. You may still have influenza or another virus 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.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
