Year: 2021

We’re excited to share the news that we now have our very own app, Whiddon Connect, which will be available from 22 July. 

Whiddon Connect is a free app for all Whiddon family members to enjoy and replaces the Checkedin Care app introduced last year in the height of the pandemic, to help keep residents and families connected.

Whiddon Connect is quick and easy to download. You’ll have access to a range of Whiddon news, information and useful links at your fingertips. You’ll also be able to provide feedback to us, request assistance such as help with statements, or even recognise one of our employees for something special they’ve done.

What can I access through Whiddon Connect?

• Our latest COVID-19 updates
• Whiddon news and information
• Information on visiting a Whiddon care home
• Video chats with your loved ones
• Personalised updates and photos of your loved one enjoying activities
• Another way to provide your feedback to us
• Contact information for Whiddon

How do I download the new app?

As the primary representative of a resident, you will be pre-registered. You will receive a one-time password when you first login to the app. Once you receive this, you can get started!

Downloading the app is easy and you can start using it straight away (after 22 July).

To download Whiddon Connect:

1. Go to the App Store or Google Play on your device – you can use the QR code below 
2. Search for ‘Whiddon Connect’
   
3. Download
4. Once downloaded, click on the app and sign-in with your mobile number or email address
5. Enjoy!If you need assistance please send an email to whiddonconnect@whiddon.com.au with your full name, email and mobile number.

What happens if I had downloaded Checkedin Care previously?

Checkedin Care app users will be logged out of the existing app. 

You will need to uninstall the Checkedin Care app and follow the steps above to download Whiddon Connect.

 

15 July 2021

Following further community transmission of COVID-19, we have been advised by QLD Health that the existing restrictions in south-east Queensland will be extended until 6am Friday 23 July. This applies to Whiddon Beaudesert Star and means that we are unable to accept visitors during this time. Please speak to Deb Waters, Director Care Services, to discuss approval for visiting in exceptional circumstances such as end-of-life visits.

We know this is a difficult time for everyone. Our teams are working hard to keep residents connected to their loved ones. We have commenced window visits to help you stay in touch. These need to be booked in prior and we do ask you to refrain from attending these if you are unwell or have been to any locations of concern. Please speak to our administration team to book in your window visit.

We thank you for your understanding and patience. We will provide a further update once we know more.

14 July 2021

We are pleased to let you know that we have now introduced rapid COVID-19 testing for employees at Whiddon Easton Park to further protect residents and employees during the evolving COVID-19 situation in Sydney.

Rapid antigen tests are taken on-the-spot and deliver a positive or negative result in just ten minutes. They are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and under supervision of a registered nurse, employees have been trained to administer the tests themselves and should a positive result be detected, the employee must then take a standard diagnostic test in line with Government advice.

Employees are encouraged to have the test when they come on shift. Research has shown that the frequency of the testing is the most important factor in controlling the spread of infection. Employees will be encouraged to test every day to begin with and then every other day following that, while community transmission remains high.

We are proud to bring this industry leading initiative to Whiddon Easton Park as it adds a very important layer of increased protection for residents and employees against COVID-19, while community transmission rates are high.

We are also working hard to ensure our employees are vaccinated as soon as possible, and we have a clinic running today and tomorrow to provide vaccinations to employees.

We will provide a further update on this soon.

From today, NSW Health requires all residential aged care homes in NSW to ensure that all employees, visitors and contractors check-in every time they visit using the Service NSW QR Code.

This means that you are now required to sign-in twice when you come in to work.

Please check-in through:

• The Service NSW app
• Whiddon’s Visitor Sign-in system

It is important that you continue to check-in to Whiddon’s visitor sign-in system as this is a way that we can meet the Government’s COVID-19 screening requirements for employees, visitors and contractors entering our homes. This helps us with contact tracing and ensures that the required screening questions are answered by any person entering our care homes. This helps to keep everyone in our family safe.

We thank you for your understanding as we implement this important new measure.

12 July 2021

New check-in requirement for NSW care homes

From today, NSW Health requires all residential aged care homes in NSW to ensure that all employees, visitors and contractors check-in every time they visit using the Service NSW QR Code.

This means that you are now required to sign-in twice when you visit a Whiddon care home.

Please check-in through:

• The Service NSW app
• Whiddon’s Visitor Sign-in system

We understand that signing in twice will add a small amount of extra time when you visit, however, it is very important that you sign in twice. The Whiddon visitor sign-in system is a way that we can meet the Government’s COVID-19 screening requirements for employees, visitors and contractors entering our homes. This helps us with contact tracing and ensures that the required screening questions are answered by any person entering our care homes. This helps to keep everyone in our family safe.

We thank you for your understanding as we implement this important new measure.

Please note that Whiddon Easton Park and Whiddon Hornsby must currently exclude visitors due to the COVID-19 situation in Sydney. All of our other care homes in NSW are able to permit two visitors per resident, per day, however these visits must be pre-booked and all visitors are required to wear a surgical mask and meet in the resident’s room.

COVID-19 vaccine mandate

We wanted to provide an update about the Government’s recent decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for residential aged care employees. Whiddon fully supports the announcement, as protecting those in our care and the people caring for them, is our highest priority.

From 17 September it will be a requirement for all aged care employees, including those at Whiddon, to have had at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, we are encouraging our employees who have not yet had their vaccine, to have it sooner. For some months now, we have been actively encouraging our employees to have the vaccine through running a number of internal campaigns.

We have also been advocating for in-reach workplace clinics to administer the vaccine onsite to employees. Currently, there is a waitlist to have the Pfizer vaccine, so there is a delay due to the lack of access to this vaccine. In-reach clinics will help fast-track access to the vaccine. We have already started to secure in-reach clinics, including at Easton Park, which will be held this week.

The recent outbreak in Sydney shows that COVID-19 remains a threat to our communities. We have been actively encouraging our employees to have the vaccine for some time now, however up until recently is was not mandated. While it is not mandatory for visitors, we are also encouraging visitors to our care homes to have the vaccine. It is one of the best lines of defence that we have against the virus.

9 July 2021

As a reminder, due to the COVID-19 situation in Sydney, residential aged care homes in Greater Sydney (including Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour), must exclude visitors. This applies to Whiddon Easton Park.

We genuinely understand that this is a very difficult time for you and your family. We want you to know that our teams are working hard to keep you connected to your loved ones wherever we can through phone and video calls. We are also offering increased activities to help residents remain stimulated, engaged and connected during this time and are sharing these on our Facebook page.

We wanted to share the update below with you and remind you to regularly check the COVID-19 page on our website.

COVID-19 vaccination now mandated for residential aged care workers
We wanted to provide an update about the Government’s recent decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for residential aged care employees. Whiddon fully supports the announcement, as protecting those in our care and the people caring for them, is our highest priority.

From 17 September it will be a requirement for all aged care employees to have had at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, we are encouraging our employees who have not yet had their vaccine, to have it sooner. For some months now, we have been actively encouraging our employees to have the vaccine through running a number of internal campaigns.

We have also been advocating for in-reach workplace clinics to administer the vaccine onsite to employees. We are pleased to share with you that we will be hosting a vaccination clinic onsite next week at Easton Park, where many more of our staff will be able to access the vaccine. There has been a waitlist to have the Pfizer vaccine, so there has been a delay due to the lack of access to this vaccine. In-reach clinics will help fast-track access to the vaccine.

The mandate will also apply to our volunteers and contractors. While it is not mandatory for visitors, we are also encouraging visitors to our care homes to have the vaccine. It is one of the best lines of defence that we have against COVID-19.

Single site arrangements 
Given the COVID-19 situation in Sydney, workers at residential aged care facilities in impacted areas are asked to limit their work to a single facility to reduce the risk of transmission and protect workers and residents. This applies to Whiddon Easton Park. We have been working with our staff to help ensure that they work with their primary employer only for now, as an additional measure to help keep everyone in our family safe.

Deliveries
The screening station at the entrance to Whiddon Easton Park (off Belmont Road) has returned. In the interests of everyone’s safety, we ask that you limit delivery of items to essential items only, which can be accepted at the gate between 8 am and 4pm only. We do ask that you wear a mask, go only to the gate and do not attend if you have been to any venues or locations of concern or are unwell. Please note the stay-at-home orders that are in place for Greater Sydney which have now been extended.

Staying connected with us

If you would like to talk to us about your loved one’s care or if you have any concerns, please contact our team on the relevant phone number below:

For Arthur Webb Court: 02 9827 6725
For Easton Park Units: 02 9827 6735
For Sir David Martin: 02 9827 6666
For Taylor House: 02 9827 6774

We thank you for your understanding.

9 July 2021

Staying COVID-19 safe is critical

With COVID-19 cases continuing to increase significantly in Sydney, particularly in South-west Sydney, it is critical that we all continue to vigilantly follow COVID safe protocols and procedures, along with NSW Health advice.

Please ensure that you:

• Always practice robust infection control procedures
• Social distance
• Wear a surgical mask at work and when you attend any places for essential reasons (such as shopping or for essential medical appointments)
• Follow any NSW Health orders or advice that applies to your local area
• Check the list of location and alerts BEFORE you come to work and check these regularly
• Scan in every time you step into work
• Do not come into to work if you are unwell

Ensuring the above is incredibly important to protect you, our residents and your loved ones from COVID-19. We genuinely thank you for helping to keep our family safe.

Have your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can – book into the Easton Park clinic for your Pfizer vaccine next week!

You must have your COVID-19 vaccine. It has now been made mandatory. Book your Pfizer vaccine for next week at Easton Park and avoid the long queues of having it done elsewhere. 

We are pleased to welcome a COVID-19 vaccine clinic onsite at Easton Park next week for our employees to easily access the vaccine. This is one of the best defences against COVID-19 that we have, having it as soon as possible is important. We have secured a clinic to be held onsite on 14 and 15 July for employees to receive a Pfizer vaccine.

Don’t miss the opportunity to have your vaccine onsite at Easton Park – otherwise it will be up to you to go and have it by the mandate deadline.

Bookings close soon. BOOK YOUR VACCINE NOW by calling 0476 811 414 or emailing: events@whiddon.com.au

Hello everyone,

I hope you’ve all had a wonderful week!

First of all, I just want to say a big THANK YOU to all families for assisting us with the requirements to limit visitors to 2 per resident per day and keeping with the current guidelines of visiting your loved ones in their room to comply with the latest directions provided by NSW Health.

I’m excited to share that we have had three new Registered Nurses join our team here at Whiddon Moree! Neha, Jiah and Princess have each settled into the team really well, and we’re glad to have them join our family. If you see them around, do say hello.

We have organised an event for NAIDOC week which will be held today, Friday the 9^th of July. We have also had our regular activities take place with our residents with the exception of church and our usual sing-a-long.

As normal, my door is always open and I do encourage you to reach out if you wish to discuss any matters relating to your loved one’s care.

Have a very safe weekend!

Thanks,
Martha Rowe
Director Care Services – Whiddon Moree

7 July 2021

You may have heard that the Government has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for all residential aged care employees.

This mandatory COVID-19 vaccination will apply to all people working at a residential aged care facility who are responsible for resident care, support and services for residents, and maintenance and administration and all individuals who access, or are reasonably likely to access, a residential aged care home or associated administration buildings. Therefore, this applies also to our volunteers and contractors.

Whiddon welcomes the announcement. We have so many precious lives in our care and the vaccine provides a critical line of defence against COVID-19 entering our care homes and services. The vaccine is an important milestone in the fight against COVID-19 and the current outbreak in Sydney reminds us of how easily things can change.

We are committed to supporting and advocating for our employees, volunteers and contractors, to ensure that access to the vaccine is made as easy as possible for you, and we thank you for helping to keep our family safe.

When does the mandate come into effect?
From 17 September 2021, it will be mandatory for all residential aged care employees, volunteers and contractor to have received a minimum first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

What vaccine will be offered?
We understand that our volunteers and contractors will likely be offered the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. GPs can continue to administer AstraZeneca to Australians under 60 years of age with informed consent.

How can I get my vaccine?
We will be working with the Government to understand what support will be available and to ensure that all employees, volunteers and contractors have access to a COVID-19 vaccination as quickly and safely as possible. We will provide details on how you can access your vaccine, such as through in-reach clinics held onsite, once we know more.

In the interim, you may be able to access the vaccine from your GP or other clinics.

Should I tell Whiddon if I have had the vaccine?
Yes. Please provide evidence that you have had the vaccine to your primary contact at Whiddon.

Will there be any exemptions for people who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons?
As yet, the government has not provided this level of information. Once we are aware of any approved exemptions we will communicate these to the team.

I’m worried about vaccine safety and effectiveness, where can I find out more about this?
All vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety before they are approved for use in Australia. This includes careful analysis of clinical trial data, ingredients, chemistry, manufacturing and other factors. According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), since the beginning of the vaccine roll out to 27 June 2021, there have been over 7.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Australia. Of these, the TGA has reported only 0.4% of adverse events following vaccination. That is, 4.6 cases of adverse events per 1,000 doses. The most common adverse events are headache, muscle and joint pain, fever, chills and injection site reactions.

There have been some studies that have shown that the vaccines are proving effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and reducing the likelihood of hospitalisation. As always we recommend you keep yourself informed. For more information on study results please visit www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.22.21255913v1

More information about COVID-19 vaccination safety and effectiveness can be found at the following websites:
• www.tga.gov.au
• www.health.gov.au

You can also talk to your GP if you have any questions about the vaccine.

 

 

7 July 2021

We would like to share more information with you about the COVID-19 vaccine, which has now been mandated by the Government for all residential aged care employees.

Whiddon welcomes the announcement. We have so many precious lives in our care and the vaccine provides a critical line of defence against COVID-19 entering our care homes and services.

We recognise and appreciate how our teams have worked tirelessly to keep our residents and clients safe since the start of the pandemic. The vaccine is an important milestone in the fight against COVID-19 and the current outbreak in Sydney reminds us of how easily things can change. We are committed to supporting you and advocating for you, to ensure that access to the vaccine is made as easy as possible for you and we thank you for helping to keep our family safe.

When does the mandate come into effect?
From 17 September 2021, it will be mandatory for all residential aged care employees to have received a minimum first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This will be a mandatory condition of employment as per the Government announcement.

Who does the mandate apply to?
Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination will apply to all people working at a residential aged care facility who are responsible for resident care, support and services for residents, and maintenance and administration. This includes nursing and personal care staff, allied health professionals, administration staff, kitchen, cleaning, laundry and garden staff. This mandate also applies to volunteers.

Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination also applies to all individuals who access, or are reasonably likely to access, a residential aged care home or associated administration buildings. Therefore, the mandate applies to Support Services employees and Home Care Employees (who attend Whiddon homes).

What vaccine will be offered?
All residential aged care employees, regardless of age, will be offered the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Employees can also choose to have the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. GPs can continue to administer AstraZeneca to Australians under 60 years of age with informed consent.

How can I get my vaccine?
We will be working with the Government to understand what support will be available and to ensure that all employees have access to a COVID-19 vaccination as quickly and safely as possible. We will provide details on how you can access your vaccine, such as through in-reach clinics held onsite, once we know more.

In the interim, you may be able to access the vaccine from your GP or other clinics. There is information on the Department of Health’s website about the mandate and how to access a COVID-19 vaccination (click here to read this).

Should I tell Whiddon if I have had the vaccine?
Yes. We are required to report the number of vaccinated employees to the Government each week. Please note that no personal information is included in this reporting. Please send evidence of your vaccine to payroll@whiddon.com.au

Will I be supported to access my vaccine?
Yes. The Government has established a program in recognition of the new requirement for mandatory vaccinations of residential aged care employees, to ensure all residential aged care workers have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine prior 17 September 2021. This includes support for casual residential aged care employees accessing off-site vaccinations or paid leave if they are unwell after having a vaccine.

Will there be any exemptions for people who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons?
As yet, the government has not provided this level of information. Once we are aware of any approved exemptions we will communicate these to the team.

I’m worried about vaccine safety and effectiveness, where can I find out more about this?
All vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety before they are approved for use in Australia. This includes careful analysis of clinical trial data, ingredients, chemistry, manufacturing and other factors. According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), since the beginning of the vaccine roll out to 27 June 2021, there have been over 7.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Australia. Of these, the TGA has reported only 0.4% of adverse events following vaccination. That is, 4.6 cases of adverse events per 1,000 doses. The most common adverse events are headache, muscle and joint pain, fever, chills and injection site reactions.

There have been some studies that have shown that the vaccines are proving effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and reducing the likelihood of hospitalisation. As always we recommend you keep yourself informed. For more information on study results please visit www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.22.21255913v1

More information about COVID-19 vaccination safety and effectiveness can be found at the following websites:
• www.tga.gov.au
• www.health.gov.au

You can also talk to your GP if you have any questions about the vaccine.