31 December 2021

Dear Resident, Families and Friends,

I am writing to advise you that late last night I received notification that one of our staff at our Woornack Home has tested positive to COVID19.

It is unlikely the staff member was in the infectious period while in the Home, however for the ongoing protection of our residents and staff, in consultation with the Public Health Unit, Doutta Galla has initiated a precautionary response.  We will be commencing with Rapid Antigen Testing of our staff and residents.

We do not have any residents at Woornack who have signs or symptoms of COVID-19. We are closely monitoring this situation and residents will be screened for COVID-19 twice per day.  Staff will encourage residents to move around only within the sections of their own Wings of the Home.

Our staff have been fully briefed and are committed to ensuring the highest standard of infection control practices are in place, and we will continue with our enhanced cleaning protocols. Staff have commenced wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to residents.

At this time, visits to the home will be restricted to appointments only.  Please call the Woornack Home on 03 9312 0111 to arrange a time.  We ask that you be patient as we make booking arrangements for you to connect you with your loved ones.  We can also arrange a window visit or video call to keep you connected with loved ones too.  We will not be permitting volunteers to attend the Home, until further notice.

Fortunately, the majority of residents and all our staff at our Woornack are fully vaccinated.  As you know vaccination is a key strategy to defeating this virus and Doutta Galla encourages you and your families who are yet to be vaccinated to consider being vaccinated.

We will advise you immediately of any changes to you or your family member’s, health status, however if you have an enquiry or concern about your family member. In addition, you are welcome to contact 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.

Thank you for your support, patience and understanding during this challenging time.

Yours sincerely,

Mary Lynch

General Manager -Quality and Clinical Governance