Year: 2023

Dear Whiddon Narrabri – Jessie Hunt Families and Friends,

Due to the incidence of CCVID-19 in the Narrabri and Greater Hunter Areas, we continue to wear the N95 masks and undertake daily RAT tests prior to entry into Jessie Hunt.

We request that friends and families of our residents defer their visits if they have any flu-like symptoms or have been in close contact with anyone who has COVID-19.

Due to the lockdown at Robert Young we have been careful to separate staff from the two homes and avoid cross-over of personnel.

Please continue to be vigilant re mask-wearing when visiting and checking yourselves for symptoms and seeking medical advice if unwell.

Kind regards,

The Whiddon Team

To Whiddon Narrabri Employees,

Please find below important information for each home:

Robert Young Staff

• The Hostel and Sunbrook South areas are now out of lockdown.
• Staff are to continue wearing full PPE in Sunbrook North.
• Only N95 and face shields are required across the site, with full PPE just for North
• Onsite Rapid Antigen Testing continues.
• Staff to remain in allocated wings and prevent movements where possible.
• We have a number of staff returning to work in the next few days.
• Please continue to be vigilant regarding handwashing and PPE use.

Jessie Hunt Staff

• Robert Young is looking good at this stage, with 2 out of the 3 areas coming out of lockdown today.
• Cases continue to be elevated in the greater Hunter region, particularly in far West/North West areas of the Hunter/new England areas.
• Jessie Hunt has been fortunate thus far, and we appreciate your efforts to protect your colleagues and residents. Keep up the good work.
• We will continue to endeavour to keep the two staff groups separate where possible.
• Please continue to be vigilant re mask wearing and RAT testing

Kind regards,

The Whiddon Team

Good Morning Families, Friends and Employees,

As many of you are aware the team at Whiddon Bourke have been working closely with advice from the Public Health Unit and our GPs through a Covid Outbreak at the home.

All residents affected remain well and are being closely monitored by the team. Several staff have also tested positive and with that in mind, we would like to sincerely thank our amazing team at Bourke who continue to go above and beyond to ensure our staffing levels remain constant.

Normal visiting arrangements continue with the testing and screening in place before entry.

We also remind everyone of the importance of wearing your mask correctly, frequent handwashing and staying at home to rest and recover if you are unwell.

Our current building project is on pause to limit the impact of additional people visiting the home.

We will advise everyone when our current Covid Outbreak is over.

Kind regards,

The Whiddon Team

Good Morning Families, Friends & Employees,

A resident has tested positive for COVID-19 this morning at Whiddon Wee Waa. All other residents are well and those who have agreed to test have returned a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).

We will work with the Public Health Unit and our GP and will keep everyone updated if this COVID exposure event extends to other residents.

Normal visiting arrangements continue with the testing and screening in place before entry.

We also remind everyone of the importance of wearing your mask correctly, frequent handwashing and staying at home to rest and recover if you are unwell.

Kind regards,

The Whiddon Team

We are thrilled to advise you that Whiddon is now able to pass on the Aged Care Registered Nurse payment. Whiddon applied for this payment on your behalf in November 2022. The Government has recently confirmed to us that our submission has been approved and the funds have been made available.

On behalf of the Government, Whiddon is now passing on this special payment to you.

This payment is in recognition of your commitment to Aged Care and our residents and clients during the difficult period of COVID. We are pleased to be part of this process to recognise the leadership and clinical skills of Registered Nurses in Aged Care. You truly make a significant difference and we appreciate you choosing to work with us at Whiddon.

Those eligible will receive a letter from Whiddon detailing the payment details and funds will be transferred on 31st May.

We genuinely thank you for your commitment and dedication to our Whiddon family and further acknowledge the clinical skill and leadership you demonstrate, in providing exceptional care to our residents and clients.

For more information about this payment, we encourage you to visit the below website: Department of Health via https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-registered-nurses-payment-to-reward-clinical-skills-and-leadership

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that Whiddon Kelso is currently undergoing heating/ AC repairs to address the current problem, effecting the Bedwell Building Rooms 13 – 30, administration and common areas.

Please note this issue should be rectified by the weekend, with the required part onsite by Friday this week – additional heating is in place for the time being.

The Whiddon Team

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised Terry White Pharmacy will be at the home on Thursday 1st June from 10am to discuss the changeover of pharmacies.

If you would like to come and meet the new pharmacist, please feel free to head down and ask any questions you may have.

The Whiddon Team

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives

We are pleased to advise that the Outbreak notification for Whiddon Laurieton has been declared closed, in line with guidance from the local Public Health Unit.

There have been no further cases, and normal visitation arrangements can now be resumed.

The latest Whiddon COVID Guidelines for families can be found here: https://bit.ly/3SffKxU

Whiddon Team

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives

There have been further positive cases of Covid 19. We currently have 6 residents and 4 staff affected. All of the residents concerned are stable and most are improving, whilst receiving the antivirals.

• Staff and visitors are to continue wearing full PPE whilst visiting and working in the facility.
• Visitors are requested to minimise or postpone visits, if possible, with our aim being each resident has one identified person who can visit for the time being and preferably for shorter periods of time.
• It is recommended that residents do not go out into the community due to the high number of cases reported locally.
• The Dining Room is currently closed and room service is in place for the time being.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team at Robert Young.