18 July 2020 

Dear Residents, Families and Friends, 

I am writing to advise you that this morning Doutta Galla received further test results. Sadly, two residents have tested positive to COVID -19. There remains one resident test result outstanding. All staff tested on Thursday 16 July have received negative results. 

The Aged Care Liaison service has attended the Home to assess both residents. One resident has symptoms and has been transferred to hospital. The other resident is not displaying symptoms and is being closely monitored. We are strongly advocating that any resident testing positive to COVID-19 be transferred to hospital. However, the decision to transfer residents to hospital ultimately is made by the DHHS Public Health Unit. 

Doutta Galla has assigned dedicated staff to care for the resident who is asymptomatic and the resident for whom we are awaiting results. 

Although all Footscray residents are in isolation, they are being supported and cared for in their rooms. They remain well and in good spirits. Staff will continue to wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to residents. 

We have additional staff at the Home and will monitor staffing levels to ensure sufficient resources are available to provide support and to manage the high level of infection control protocols that have been in place since Wednesday. A deep clean of the home occurred last Wednesday and another is taking place today. We will continue with our enhanced cleaning protocols. 

We will closely monitor this situation and are anticipating another round of testing will occur and are waiting testing directions to be issued from the Public Health Unit. Residents and family members will be advised of test results as soon as they are available. 

We are working with Elder Rights Advocacy to provide emotional support to our residents and are investigating further avenues of support for residents and families. This is in addition to the support provided already by our staff. Our staff have been briefed and are committed to the ongoing care and support of our residents. 

We will advise you immediately of any changes to your family member’s health status, however if you have an enquiry or concern about your family member, please call the Footscray home on 9687 6744 or on a new extra number which is 8580 2447. The email address for written questions or concerns is covid19questions@dgas.org.au. 

We will keep in touch on a regular basis to inform you of any changes to the situation. 

Yours sincerely, 

Vanda Iaconese
CEO