8 March 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to let you know that we currently have a number of residents with gastroenteritis-like symptoms at your loved one’s aged care centre.
The residents live on Level 2 of the Flame Tree Building. All residents with symptoms have been isolated in their rooms with strict infection control protocols being followed in their care. We are monitoring the residents closely in consultation with their GPs.
We are contacting the families of the affected residents by telephone and the NSW Public Health Unit has been notified.
As this is a highly contagious illness, you are strongly encouraged to reconsider any plans to visit. If you do choose to proceed with a visit, do so with an understanding of the risk of the illness.
If you would like to connect with your loved one via phone or video call please let us know and our Lifestyle team will be pleased to assist.
Strict infection control protocols are in place site-wide, including the allocation of staff to specific areas, reinforcement of the correct use of PPE, thorough and frequent hand-washing with soap and water (this is deemed more effective than hand sanitiser for gastroenteritis-like viruses) and the close monitoring of all residents for any symptoms.
If your loved one becomes unwell, staff will contact you and will continue to keep you updated on their progress towards recovery.
Visiting arrangements
Although the virus causing the gastroenteritis-like symptoms is yet to be confirmed from laboratory analysis, it is assumed to be highly contagious. With this in mind you are strongly encouraged to reconsider any planned visit. If you do proceed with the visit please assist staff by complying with the following arrangements:
- 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 to complete the wellness questionnaire at reception on arrival.
- All visitors are asked to wear a P2/N95 mask when visiting and other PPE as directed by staff.
- If you are visiting a resident who is experiencing gastroenteritis-like symptoms staff will instruct you on the wearing of any additional PPE if required.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water – this is deemed more effective than hand-sanitiser for gastroenteritis-like viruses.
- 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.
More details on our visiting arrangements can be found here.
Further to the above, please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. 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 and if you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.
Thank you for your support.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
