Doutta Galla COVID-19

4 September 2021

Dear Resident, Families and Friends,

I am writing to advise you that late this afternoon I received notification that a family member of one of our staff members at our Avondale Heights Home has been identified as a tier 1 close contact of a confirmed COVID19 case.  Fortunately, the staff member and the family member were both very recently tested and both have returned a negative test result.

There is no need to be alarmed as we do not have any residents or staff at our Avondale Heights Home who have signs or symptoms of COVID-19.  Residents and staff will be tested as a precaution and residents will be COVID-19 screened twice daily.  We will continue to monitor the situation and will review our next steps following the results of the testing.

For the ongoing protection of our residents and staff, Doutta Galla has activated its emergency management plan as a precautionary response.  Our staff have been trained to ensure the highest standard of infection control practices are in place.  Staff have already commenced wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) when attending to you or your family member.

Additional staff have been brought into the home as we continue to support the wellbeing of our residents by keeping you connected via video calls and window visits where possible.  Please contact the home to make a time to have a video call or to set up a window visit.

Fortunately, the majority of residents and staff at our Avondale Heights Home have been 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. You can click here to Book your vaccine appointment | Coronavirus Victoria.

We will advise you immediately of any changes to your family member’s, health status, however if you have an enquiry or concern about your family member, please call Avondale Heights on
03 9325 0000.  In addition, we have an email address where you can send any questions, comments or concerns related to COVID-19.  The email address is covid19questions@dgas.org.au.

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

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