Doutta Galla COVID-19

 31 July 2020 

Dear Residents and Families and Friends 

I am writing to advise you that this morning Doutta Galla Yarraville Village was advised by a staff member that they had tested positive to COVID-19. This is particularly disappointing, but it seems that in the current COVID-19 environment we may be going into lockdown on a regular basis until the community spread of the virus is contained. 

The worker last worked at Yarraville Village on Tuesday 28 July 2020 and worked the morning shift. We have advised the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Public Health Unit and are trying to confirm a new round of testing for residents to occur Saturday if at all possible. 

Staff will encourage residents to remain in their rooms were care and support will be provided. Staff have already commenced wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to residents. This will continue until testing requirements have been completed and a stand down order has been provided by DHHS Public Health Unit. This usually takes 14 days. 

We have commenced contact tracing and staff deemed ‘close contacts’ have been taken off the roster until testing is completed. Our staff have been briefed and are committed to the ongoing care and support of our residents. Staff have been trained, and are monitored, to ensure the highest standard of infection control practices are in place, and we will continue with our enhanced cleaning protocols. 

A deep clean of the home is underway, and we have also increased the usual cleaning regime until we receive notification that the site remains COVID-19 free. Additional staff have been brought in to support the home and are committed to ensuring residents are comfortable and supported. 

I would also like to inform you that today is Sam Kurne’s final day with Doutta Galla. Unfortunately, he has resigned for family reasons. We would like to thank Sam for his dedication and commitment to the residents and their families and staff during his time with Doutta Galla and he will be missed. We were very sad too that we could only give him a ‘zoom’ farewell and words of appreciation. Alex Bolek one of our experienced Managers will be managing the home for the foreseeable future. 

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 advise you immediately of any changes to your, or your family member’s, health status, however if you have an enquiry or concern please call Yarraville Village on 9687 8233. In addition, we have set up an email address where you can send any questions, comments or concerns related to COVID-19. The email address is covid19questions@dgas.org.au. 

We will keep in touch on a regular basis to inform you of any changes to the situation. Thank you for your support during this challenging time. 

Yours sincerely, 

Vanda Iaconese
CEO

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