25 November 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to provide you with an update about your loved one’s aged care centre.
Sadly, since writing to you on Wednesday, two of our residents have passed away.
One resident, who had COVID-19, was on a palliative pathway before they tested positive, while the other resident, who was not COVID-positive, was also palliating and both were receiving additional support from palliation specialists. Our staff felt privileged to be able to provide that special level of care required for our residents nearing the end of their life, and to assist their families to say goodbye to their loved ones.
On behalf of everyone at IRT I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to the residents’ family members and friends, including our Thomas Holt Kirrawee residents and staff, who are understandably saddened by their passing.
Today as our staff care for all our residents, they will reflect on that precious time spent with these residents now-gone, and their stories of a long life, well lived.
Following PCR testing earlier in the week, we conducted a round of rapid antigen testing in Roden Cutler House (including Magnolia) last night and this morning and three residents have returned positive results.
We are now caring for 32 residents with COVID-19. All those diagnosed with the virus are being monitored closely, with the majority managing symptoms ranging from mild to none at all. One resident remains in Sutherland Hospital for further treatment. We continue to monitor all residents closely in consultation with their GPs and their nominated representatives.
PCR tests will be conducted again on Monday on all residents living in Roden Cutler House (including Magnolia), who have not already tested positive for COVID-19.
I will provide you with another update next week once we have obtained the results of these tests. Results for these tests can take up to 24 hours. If your loved one returns a positive result, staff will let you know by phone.
Visiting arrangements
Visiting arrangements remain the same at this time and are detailed below.
Roden Cutler House (Ground Floor, Level 1 and Magnolia)
As we manage the risk of COVID-19 at the care centre, visiting residents in Roden Cutler House is strongly discouraged. If you do wish to continue with your plans to visit, the following arrangements remain in place:
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- Children under 12 years of age are not 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.
All other areas of the care centre
There are no changes to visiting arrangements in all other areas of the care centre.
Please do not visit if you are feeling unwell 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
