15 June 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Firstly, I would like to apologise for a mistake in my message to you yesterday. You might recall that I detailed the location of our COVID-19-positive residents within the care centre. Unfortunately I noted that we had a resident in Lyrebird with COVID-19 but this was incorrect. The correct reference should have been Lorikeet.
Since then all residents have been tested again and unfortunately results have confirmed another resident from Cockatoo testing positive. The resident is currently experiencing mild symptoms and, like others who have tested positive, is being cared for in their room.
To this end, we are now caring for ten residents in the Cockatoo and Kingfisher wings and one in Lorikeet. All are stable with symptoms ranging from mild to none at all, as they continue their recovery. Our six residents who were transferred to our COVID-19 unit in Kirrawee are also stable, and we look forward to their return when they reach their recovery criteria.
With another COVID-19 case, the risk of the virus within the care centre remains high, and we continue to encourage residents in Cockatoo and Kingfisher wings to remain in their rooms and avoid moving about within the building (even if they don’t have COVID-19).
To ensure early detection of any further cases, all residents (who haven’t already tested positive) will be tested again tomorrow using the PCR method (which requires laboratory analysis), not via the rapid antigen method.
I will write to you again on Friday, when we expect to have all results. If your loved one receives a positive result staff will be in touch with you by phone to let you know.
The Lifestyle team continues to provide support to those residents who are being cared for in their rooms; distributing a range of activity packs, and offering assistance where needed with phone or video calls.
Visiting arrangements
As we continue to manage the risk of COVID-19 within your loved one’s care centre you are encouraged to reconsider any plans to visit. If you do wish to continue with your plans to visit please assist staff by complying with the following:
- Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit.
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- 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 unwell yourself with even the mildest symptoms. Even if you have tested negative for COVID-19 you may still have a contagious respiratory infection.
Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.
Your support and co-operation means a lot to our staff.
Yours sincerely
Richard Walsh
Acting EGM – Aged Care Centres
