An important update about IRT St Georges Basin Aged Care Centre

7 December 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

I’m writing to provide you with an update as we manage the risk of COVID-19 in Jervis House at your loved one’s aged care centre.

We have received the results of the PCR tests conducted yesterday and pleasingly all were negative.

We continue to care for three residents with COVID-19 in Jervis House and, despite experiencing some mild symptoms earlier this week, all residents are now asymptomatic and are regarded as stable.

We continue to encourage all residents in Jervis House to remain in their rooms where they are being supported with their care needs, served their meals and supplied with activity packs to suit a range of interests.

To ensure early detection of any other cases, all residents in Jervis House who have not already tested positive to COVID-19 will be tested again tomorrow as part of our ongoing testing regime. These tests will be done using the PCR method and results can take up to 24 hours to return to us.

I will provide you with another update when we receive the results of these tests. As previously mentioned, if your loved one returns a positive result, staff will let you know by phone and a member of staff will continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.

Visiting arrangements

Jervis House

While the risk of COVID-19 remains in Jervis House, you are encouraged to postpone your plans to visit. However if you do wish to continue with your plans, please assist the care centre by complying with the following:

  • Residents are permitted two visitors only.
  • Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit the care centre.
  • All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre.
  • All visitors are asked to wear all necessary PPE at all times while in the care centre including a P2/N95 mask and a face shield which will be provided on entry.
  • Those visiting a resident who is considered a close contact or is COVID-19 positive may be asked to wear additional PPE and instructed by staff on how to dispose of it safely.
  • Please wear your PPE as instructed. If a staff member asks you to adjust it they are doing so to protect you, your loved one, and all others living and working in the care centre.

All other areas of the Care Centre

There is no change to the visiting arrangements for all other areas of the Care Centre. For more details on how to plan a safe visit to your loved one please visit our website here.

As always please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result you may still have another type of infection which is highly contagious.

Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.

Thank you for your support.

Yours sincerely

Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres