13 May 2022

Dear Resident and Family Members,

COVID-19 Update for Residents and Families: Positive cases identified at Calvary Oaklands

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately two (2) additional residents have tested positive for COVID-19 at Calvary Oaklands, bringing the total to three (3) residents and four (4) staff. The positive residents are currently isolating and receiving care in their room, and we have notified their families.

Calvary Oaklands will remain closed to visitors over the weekend to enable the home to ensure all safety measures are in place for residents, visitors and staff.

Our testing regime continues tomorrow 14 May 2022, and we will inform you of the results once we receive them.

We understand that this may be worrying for you and your loved one in our care. We want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to continue to look after the health and wellbeing of all our residents while keeping them safe during this difficult time.

Information for visitors during an outbreak

Calvary’s Position Statement on Visiting in Aged Care, allows visits for residents in all circumstances, including when a home is experiencing an outbreak and is in lockdown. There are, however, specific requirements to help keep our residents, their visitors and our staff as safe as possible.

• Calvary Oaklands will be closed to visitors until Monday 16 May 2022.
• One fully vaccinated visitor per resident, may visit to the home from 11.00am – 5.00pm daily, from 16 May 2022.
• All visitors will be supplied with the appropriate PPE (including face masks and shields as appropriate) to wear whilst visiting.
• We ask that you view this short video prior to visiting the home, which explains what to expect when you visit during an outbreak including how to don (put on) and doff (take off) PPE. Staff will be able to assist you as required.
• Visitors will be required to have a rapid antigen test (RAT test) before entering the home. This takes time, and we ask for your patience as we manage this important screening process.
• Visitation exceptions may be made for residents receiving end of life care, residents who may be experiencing distress, or where a special care and support role is provided. Please speak with the home manager to discuss arrangements.

We will continue to liaise closely with Public Health Unit officials, who will make the decision about whether and when it is safe to remove the current visitation restrictions. We will keep you updated as information becomes available. We anticipate our next communication to you will be early next week.

Please be assured that our staff have prepared for situations such as these and are trained in strict infection control procedures. They continue to focus all of their attention on the individual care needs of residents. You can help us to ease anxiety by sharing this information with other family and friends.

Thank you for your continued understanding and patience at this time.

Sincerely,                                                   

Ryan Midgley

General Manager Aged Care