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Important information about IRT William Beach Gardens Aged Care Centre

23 May 2023

Dear family member/resident representative,

I am writing to provide you with an update as we’ve managed the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s care centre, and to share some information about mask-wearing requirements for visitors during flu season.

COVID-19 update

I’m pleased to advise that we have received the results from our last two rounds of tests and all were negative.

With endorsement from the local Public Health Unit we have now formally ceased operating the care centre in accordance with our outbreak management plan and all residents are now able to leave their rooms and resume normal activities.

Mask-wearing requirements for visitors during flu season

You may recall that we wrote to you recently about our decision to remove the requirement for visitors to wear a mask when in our aged care centres. We made the decision, balancing the risk of COVID-19 at the time with our other detection measures including rapid antigen testing and the wellness check-in process.

We did indicate the decision could change should there become an increased risk of infection transmission (especially during influenza season) in the community. And, so it is, that we now find ourselves in a period of heightened risk with many of our aged care centres currently managing multiple cases of COVID-19, RSV or rhinovirus.

It is the flu season after all, and it is well-established that viruses like COVID-19 and influenza can have a deadly impact on our vulnerable residents. For this reason we must do all we can to reduce the risk and as an additional protective measure we have once again implemented the requirement for all visitors who enter our aged care centres to wear a surgical mask.

We have been impressed by the willingness of our visitors to support us with this in the past, and the understanding of its importance. We know we can count on you to assist staff by donning a surgical mask and wearing it at all times when you are visiting your loved one in their care centre. This includes the hallways, common areas, and your loved one’s room. This requirement will remain in place until further notice.

As always, the masks will be provided at the entrance. Please ensure you also complete your rapid antigen test before you visit, and answer our questions truthfully in our wellness check-in process.

When a care centre is operating in outbreak conditions, all visitors will be asked to wear additional PPE including a different type of mask; a closer fitting P2/N95 mask, and face shield.

Influenza vaccination – reminder

If you haven’t had your flu shot yet, you are kindly reminded that all visitors over the age of 6 months must now provide proof of their 2023 flu vaccination. Without proof of a 2023 flu vaccination, entry to our aged care centres is not permitted.

For all other information about visiting your loved one please see our website here.

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.

Rebecca Perry
Operations Manager – Illawarra Aged Care Centres

 

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