Dear Resident Family Member,

RE: COVID-19 Outbreak Update for Residents and Families: Calvary Haydon Retirement Community

We are writing to inform residents and families that as of the time of writing, an additional one (1) resident has returned a positive COVID-19 test.

This newly diagnosed resident—a resident of the Mary Potter household—was tested separately yesterday evening and independent of today’s round of resident and staff testing which was conducted on site with the assistance of ACT Health. We expect to be able to report on the results of today’s testing tomorrow.

Further, we must inform residents and families of some very sad news. Today, one (1) COVID-positive resident of the Mary Potter household has died. The resident tested positive for COVID-19 on 23 September and was accompanied by our dedicated staff who provided compassionate end of life care.

This news marks the second death of a resident diagnosed with COVID-19 at the Calvary Haydon aged care home and we know this will be the cause of great sadness and loss for the family, our residents, resident families and staff.

We offer our sincere condolences to the family on behalf of the whole Calvary family, and ask that you please respect their privacy at this time.

As of the time of writing, Calvary can confirm the current total active cases are:

• Eleven (11) residents (all residing in the Mary Potter household); and
• Four (4) members of staff (all self-isolating at home).

Following notification of the positive result today, the resident, their family and doctor have been contacted directly by our staff and provided with an update on current health and wellbeing.

Residents and Families Information Session - Calvary and Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)

As previously communicated, Calvary and OPAN held a Zoom information session for residents and families today in order to give expert advice and give you the opportunity to ask questions. We thank those who were able to attend, and want to assure you that Calvary has listened to your questions and concerns – your queries have been noted by the Calvary Haydon team for finding a resolution.

One concern in particular was whether allied health support such as physiotherapists are being provided to assist with resident mobility. We can confirm that we have secured a team of allied health practitioners, including physiotherapists, to ensure the holistic care needs of residents are met, particularly under these lockdown conditions.

For residents or family members who were unable to attend, the session has been recorded by OPAN and will be made available to us to share with you.

Calvary continues to work closely with the ACT Public Health Unit on contact tracing, the testing of residents and staff including the maintaining of the safest possible care environment for residents and staff under outbreak conditions.

We know that this continues to be a very difficult time for residents and families. We will continue to contact the listed person responsible for each resident by phone on a daily basis and email an update with any developments. You can help us to ease anxiety by please sharing this information with other family and friends. For more information, including regular Situation Updates and a suite of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers, please continue to visit www.calvarycoronavirusupdates.org.au

As the situation evolves at Calvary Haydon, please be assured that our dedicated staff are working hard to keep all residents safe from infection. All staff at the facility continue to provide care while wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.

Thank you for your continued patience at this challenging time. We are grateful that families are working with us so generously to ensure the safety of your loved ones in our care.

Sincerely,

Martin Bowles, National CEO

Barb Reid, Regional CEO - ACT