27 August 2021

Dear Resident, Families and Friends

We can only imagine how difficult the past weeks have been for you not being able to be with your loved ones.  We long for the day when Victoria can once again remove or at least reduce the restrictions placed on us all and we at Doutta Galla can open our doors to visitors again.  In the meantime, please continue to keep in contact with your loved ones via video conferencing, window visits where this is possible and phone calls.

Unfortunately, with the ongoing and rising cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in Victoria, there may be times when we need to take action to further protect our residents. If there are any changes to the situation at your home or where your loved one resides, we will advise you as soon as possible.

Although this year has presented us with many challenges, we have continued to further enhance our infection prevention control processes and staff training.  Also, I am pleased to let you know that since the beginning of May we have been conducting several vaccination clinics at all our homes providing opportunities for our residents and staff to be fully vaccinated.  Fortunately, this means we now have most residents and staff vaccinated.  By the 17 September 2021 the majority of our staff will be fully vaccinated, with the remainder having had at least one vaccination.  As you know vaccination is one of the key strategies that will protect us all and most particularly the elderly and vulnerable in our community.  Doutta Galla encourages you and your families who are eligible to be vaccinated to consider booking an appointment. You can click here to Book your vaccine appointment | Coronavirus Victoria.

Please contact the Home if you have any questions or concerns.  In addition, you are welcome to contact us via the email address covid19questions@dgas.org.au.

As you are aware, communications from Doutta Galla are sent to the resident and to the nominated resident representative.  If there are additional people in your family who would like to receive communications directly, can you please let the Home know their details and we can add them to the email list for you.  As a reminder, all my general communications, including previous letters from me, are available on the Doutta Galla website at https://www.dgas.org.au/coronavirus-updates/ and can be accessed at any time.

If you or your family would like more support during this time, 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.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO