21 July 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your continued support as we manage the risk of COVID-19 in your loved one’s aged care centre.
On Tuesday I let you know that two residents in Kembla Cottage had been diagnosed with COVID-19 following a positive test result. In response, and to ensure we detected any other cases as early as possible, we arranged for all residents in that Cottage to be tested again via the PCR method on Wednesday.
We have now received the results of those tests which have confirmed another three residents to have the virus. We now have a total of five residents who have tested positive to COVID-19.
Of the five residents who have tested positive, one has been transferred to a COVID-19 wing in another IRT aged care centre in Kirrawee to continue to receive care. One resident, who was transferred to hospital before testing positive, continues to receive treatment there for a range of symptoms. The remaining three residents all have mild to moderate symptoms such as a fever and cough, and are being cared for in their rooms.
We continue to encourage all residents in Kembla Cottage to remain in their rooms where they are being supported by the Lifestyle team and served their meals.
As a precautionary measure, we have also been monitoring Huntley and Elouera Cottage. Residents living in these two cottages were tested yesterday via the rapid antigen testing method and pleasingly have all returned a negative result.
To ensure early detection of any other cases, all residents in Kembla Cottage will be tested again tomorrow via the PCR method where samples are sent off-site for laboratory analysis. 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, and a member of staff will continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.
As we have some staff members who have also tested positive to the virus, we have engaged assistance from staff elsewhere within IRT, including volunteers from our General Members, as well as external agency staff to support the centre.
Our General Members are volunteering with a range of supervised tasks including duties in the dining room and supporting the Lifestyle team with resident visits and other activities. I can also assure you that, while your loved ones may see some unfamiliar faces in those providing their care, any agency staff we do engage are fully qualified and experienced in providing care to older Australians.
I will provide my next update to you early next week which will include the results of our next round of testing.
Visiting arrangements
While we continue to manage the risk of COVID-19 at the centre you are encouraged to postpone your visit at this time. If you do continue with your plans to visit the arrangements below now apply. Please assist the care centre by complying with the following:
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- No children under the age of 12 years are permitted to visit.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test 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. 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.
As always 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 influenza 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
