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Important information about IRT Woonona Aged Care Centre

01 August 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

I am writing to let you know that some residents of Ribbonwood Level 2 at your loved one’s aged care centre have tested positive to COVID-19.

The residents are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms such as a sore throat, cough and fever and are being cared for in their rooms where they are being monitored closely and served their meals.

In response to this we have implemented our outbreak management plan, which includes a range of infection control protocols, in order to minimise the risk of the virus spreading within the care centre.

To minimise the risk of transmission all residents in Ribbonwood Level 2 are encouraged to remain in their rooms where staff are supporting them with their care needs, activities to suit a range of interest, and help with phone and video calls where needed.

As a precautionary measure, all residents (except those already diagnosed with the virus) in Ribbonwood Level 2 have been tested using the PCR method where results are analysed off-site in a laboratory, and we are awaiting those results.

During an outbreak like this, we follow a regime of regular testing to ensure early detection of any other cases. To this end, all residents who haven’t tested positive in Ribbonwood Level 2 will be tested again tomorrow.

For the utmost caution, residents in the ground floor of the Flame tree building will be also tested tomorrow. This is in response to a potential exposure of the residents to a positive case.

All tests are conducted using the PCR method, where they are analysed off-site in a laboratory and it can take up to 24 hours for us to receive the results.

I will continue to provide updates like this one, but if your loved one returns a positive result staff will let you know by phone and will continue to provide you with daily updates on their progress.

Visiting arrangements – Ribbonwood Level 2

All visits to residents in Ribbonwood Level 2 must be by arrangement with the Care Manager.

Visiting arrangements – All other areas of the care centre

While we manage the risk of COVID-19 at the centre you are encouraged to reconsider your visit at this time. If you do continue with your plans 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

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