25 July 2020 

Dear Residents and Families and Friends 

I am writing to advise you that yesterday afternoon I received notification that a staff member at Doutta Galla’s Lynch’s Bridge Aged Care Home had tested positive to COVID-19. The staff member last worked on Monday 20 July 2020 and is now resting comfortably at home. 

I want to assure you that currently we do not have any residents or staff showing symptoms of COVID 19. 

Following notification, Doutta Galla has activated its emergency response plan which includes working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Public Health Unit, to ensure testing is conducted at the Home and contact tracing is completed quickly. We can advise that testing for all Lynch’s Bridge residents and staff will be conducted on Monday 27 July 2020 at 2.00pm. 

Staff will encourage Lynch’s Bridge residents to remain in their rooms and staff will wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) when attending to residents. We have briefed our staff and they continue to be committed to the ongoing care and support of our residents. Additional staff have also been rostered to support residents and ensure the highest standard of infection control protocols and practices are in place. 

We will advise you immediately of any changes to your family member’s health status, however if you have an enquiry or concern, please call Lynch’s Bridge on 9376 2111. 

The email address where you can send any questions, comments or concerns related to COVID-19 is covid19questions@dgas.org.au. 

In addition to the support Doutta Galla staff can provide you, we have spoken to Elder Rights Advocacy and they are happy to provide additional support to family members. You can contact them on 1800 171 866 for COVID-19 information and support. This phone line is open Monday to Friday 8.30am-6pm. 

We are also working with Elder Rights Advocacy to provide emotional support for residents. 

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

I anticipate that by the time you receive this letter you will have received a phone call from Doutta Galla staff to let you know about the current situation at Lynch’s Bridge. 

Thankyou once again for your support during this challenging time. 

Yours sincerely, 

Vanda Iaconese
CEO