21 January 2022

Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

I am writing to inform you that earlier this morning I have been notified that one resident and one staff member have tested positive for COVID-19 at our Woornack. Unfortunately, this means that we have once again activated our emergency response plan for the Home.

We are working closely with the Western Primary Health Unit (WPHU) in assessing the situation and we will need to restrict visitations to the Home. A further round of resident testing will be undertaken on Sunday 23 January 2022 and as soon as the results are available, we will advise you.

Staff will encourage residents to remain in their rooms where care and support will be provided.  We are closely monitoring the situation with resident screening being undertaken twice daily for COVID-19 symptoms. Our staff continue in their unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standard of infection control practices, and the care of our residents. Staff will continue to wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to residents, and we will continue with our enhanced cleaning protocols.

At present, there continues to be a high level of COVID activity and Victoria continues to record very high case numbers. Regrettably this means that the possibility of exposure to the virus remains, and it seems that for the short-term we will need to continually assess, review and respond according to the information and advice that we have at any particular time.  The formal advice we are receiving and the expectations around the actions we need to take are rapidly changing too.  This requires us to quickly modify and adapt how we respond.

Doutta Galla encourages family members and friends who are eligible to be vaccinated to consider booking an appointment as soon as possible.

We will advise you immediately of any changes to you or your family member’s health status.   We understand how difficult this will be for many of you.  We want to do all we can to support and facilitate contact with your loved ones.  We can arrange phone or video calls or set up a window visit via our administration staff at Woornack  by calling on 03 9312 0111.  In addition, you are welcome to contact us via covid19questions@dgas.org.au

For more support and advice during this time, please reach out to OPAN (Older Persons Advisory Network) on 1800 237 981 or Elder Rights Advocacy Victoria on 1800 171 866.  They are available 6am-10pm, 7 days a week.

Again, Doutta Galla appreciates your support during this challenging time.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO