Important information about IRT Woodlands Aged Care Centre

29 November 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

I’m writing to provide you with an update as we manage the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre.

Unfortunately since writing to you last week, a few more residents have tested positive to the virus.

We are now caring for 11 residents with COVID-19; one lives in our Grevillia Wing and 10 are from the Acacia Wing. These residents are experiencing a range of mild symptoms such as a cough and congestion and are being monitored closely in consultation with their GPs.

To minimise the risk of transmission, we continue to encourage all residents in the care centre to remain in their rooms (where possible) where they will be supported with their care needs and served their meals.

Our program of testing for early detection continues this week, with another round of PCR tests scheduled on Thursday for all residents except those who have already tested positive. I will provide you with another update when we receive the results of these tests.

As previously mentioned, if your loved one returns a positive result staff will contact you directly by phone and continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.

Visiting arrangements

As we manage the risk of COVID-19 at the care centre, visiting is strongly discouraged. However if you still wish to visit, please assist the care centre by complying with the following arrangements:

• Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit the care centre.
• Residents are permitted 2 visitors only.
• 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 may be asked to wear additional PPE and instructed by staff on how to dispose of it safely.
• Please wear your PPE as instructed. 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 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

Kevin Donohoe
General Manager Queensland