Dear Residents and Families and Friends

I am writing to advise you that today I received notification that a staff member at Doutta Galla’s Woornack Aged Care Home has tested positive to COVID-19.  The staff member last worked at the home on Wednesday 26 August 2020 and is now resting comfortably at home.  Currently no residents or other staff are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Doutta Galla has activated its Emergency Response Plan.  This plan has been reviewed and updated to reflect the requirements of the relevant state and federal government bodies.  Our staff are well prepared and have been trained, and are monitored, to ensure the highest standard of infection control practices are in place.

Staff have commenced wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to residents.  Residents will receive services in their rooms including meals and will be requested to stay in their rooms at all other times.  A deep clean of the Woornack will be undertaken and further cleaning of the kitchen as well as expanding our existing cleaning protocols will occur.

We have advised the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Public Health Unit (PHU) and have requested a time for residents and staff to be tested.  We will let you know when testing will occur.

By the time you receive this email, Veronique, Elle or Lisa will have contacted many of you personally to advise of the current situation, and we will keep you up to date with any changes as soon as they come to hand.  We will also advise you immediately of any changes to your, or your family member’s health status.  Please call us on 9312 0111 if you have an enquiry or concern about your family member.  The email address for written questions or concerns is covid19questions@dgas.org.au.

Doutta Galla staff are available to provide you support, however if you require additional support, please reach out to OPAN (Older Persons Advisory Network) on 1800 237 981.  They are available 6am-10pm, 7 days a week.  The other organisation that can assist you is Elder Rights Advocacy Victoria who can be reached on 1800 171 866 for support and advice.

Thankyou once again for your support during this challenging time.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese
CEO