Doutta Galla COVID-19

6 November 2021

 

Dear Residents, Families and Friends

I am writing to advise you that our Doutta Galla Footscray Home has a staff member that has tested positive to COVID-19.   For the protection of our residents and staff, Doutta Galla has activated its emergency management plan.  At this time, we do not have other staff or residents showing any symptoms of COVID-19.

Resident and staff testing has commenced today, and we will advise you of the outcome as soon as these results become available.  We are closely monitoring this exposure and residents will be screened twice daily for COVID-19 symptoms.  We have commenced our own contact tracing and staff deemed ‘close contacts’ have been taken off the roster until testing requirements are completed.

Staff will encourage residents to remain in their rooms where care and support will be provided.  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.  Staff continue to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to residents.

At this time, visits to the home will be restricted to only end of life care visits.  I understand that this will be disappointing for many residents and their families.  We will advise as soon as visits can recommence, however in the meantime, please contact the home to arrange a window visit or video call to keep connected with loved ones.

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 doing so.  Importantly, all Footscray Home staff, and most residents have been vaccinated.

We will advise you immediately of any changes to you or your family member’s health status.  If you have an enquiry or concern about your family member, please call the Footscray Home on 9687 6744.  In addition, you are welcome to contact us 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.

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

Send a message to
Avondale Heights

Fill in the details below and our admissions team will call you.