Important information about William Beach Gardens Aged Care Centre at IRT Kanahooka

20 February 2023

Dear family member/resident representative,

I’m writing to let you know that late last week two residents in Elouera Cottage at your loved one’s aged care centre were confirmed to have COVID-19.

Both residents are experiencing mild symptoms, are being monitored closely, and in consultation with their GPs have been administered anti-viral medication.

In response we have notified the local Public Health Unit and to reduce the risk of transmission we have implemented a number of infection control protocols, including cohorting of staff (to work in specific areas, and not from Elouera Cottage to another).

All residents in the Cottage are being encouraged to remain in their rooms where they are being supported with their care needs and the Lifestyle team has also delivered to them a range of activity packs.

Precautionary testing of all residents in the Cottage has commenced, with the first round completed over the weekend. All results have been received and pleasingly were negative. For the utmost caution the residents will be tested again tomorrow.

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

Visiting arrangements

There are no changes to the current visiting arrangements, but while there is a risk of COVID-19 within the Elouera Cottage, you may wish to reconsider any plans to visit that Cottage. Please remember our visiting arrangements include the following:

• 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 all relevant PPE as directed by staff.
• If visiting a resident in Elouera Cottage you 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.

Remember if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild, please do not visit. 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