10 March 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to update you on how we are managing the risk of gastroenteritis-like illness at your loved one’s aged care centre.
Pleasingly some residents have now recovered from the gastroenteritis-like symptoms they had been experiencing. Unfortunately however, we have also had others develop symptoms.
The residents with symptoms all live on Level 2 of the Flame Tree Building and are being cared for in their rooms with strict infection control protocols being followed. We are monitoring all residents closely.
We are currently awaiting pathology results that may help determine the virus causing these symptoms. If your loved one becomes unwell, staff will contact you and will continue to keep you updated on their progress towards recovery.
As expressed in my last update to you, this is assumed to be a highly contagious illness and you are strongly encouraged to reconsider any plans to visit at this time. If you do choose to proceed with a visit, please 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.
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 a 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
