Author: Chris Mar

Dear Residents, Families and Representatives,

Late last year, we shared the exciting news that Whiddon has secured $19.5 million in Federal Government funding to redevelop our Temora Home. Together with Whiddon’s own investment, this brings the total project value to $25.6 million.

This redevelopment will bring Greenstone Lodge and Narraburra Lodge together into one modern, purpose‑built Home designed to better support residents now and into the future. The redevelopment will include:

• A new two‑storey wing with 52 aged care places
• An enhanced Memory Support Home
• Upgraded kitchen and laundry facilities
• A coffee kiosk, hair salon and gym
• New resident gardens and activity spaces

Earlier this week, our Leadership Team visited Temora to share the redevelopment plans and announce that construction is scheduled to begin in May. The project is expected to take around 18 months to complete. As part of this process, Greenstone Lodge will eventually close and our residents will transfer into our newly developed and enhanced Narraburra home.

We understand that change can feel unsettling, and we want to reassure you that we will work closely with residents, families and representatives to make sure everyone is informed, supported and kept up to date throughout construction and the transition period. Our priority is always the wellbeing and comfort of our residents and team members.

You can view further information, including plans and artist impressions, here: CLICK TO SEE THE PLANS

If you have any questions or would like to talk through what this means for you or your loved one, please contact Residential Services Manager, Belinda Wood, who will be very happy to assist.

We are proud to be investing in the future of aged care in Temora and are excited about what this redevelopment will mean for residents, families and the wider community.

 Kind regards,

The Whiddon Team

Dear Whiddon Kelso Families, Friends & Representatives,

We would like to advise that Whiddon Kelso is currently monitoring a potential Gastroenteritis outbreak, with a small number of residents and employees showing symptoms.

While this is yet to be confirmed by pathology, we have already commenced outbreak precautions and processes as a proactive measure, and have notified the Public Health Unit accordingly.

Visitors are still welcome at Whiddon Kelso. We do ask, however, that all visitors remain hypervigilant with personal hygiene while on site and upon leaving – including thorough handwashing and the use of hand sanitiser provided.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as they come to hand. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.

– Whiddon

Dear Whiddon Mudgee Employees, Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that the phone system and internet is currently unavailable at Whiddon Mudgee.

All direct numbers to our residents will be unavailable. We are working hard towards rectifying the situation.

For any urgent calls, please be advised that our phone has been diverted to an alternate number and will be answered as soon as possible.

We will advise when the systems are back up and running.

Thank you for your understanding.

The Whiddon Team

Good morning Whiddon Maclean families, friends and representatives,

We are advising that we currently have one resident who has tested positive for COVID‑19. The resident is being closely monitored and supported by our care team.

To help keep everyone safe, all employees and visitors are required to wear N95 masks while on site until further notice.

At this stage, RAT testing is not required for staff or visitors.

We kindly ask everyone to continue being mindful of infection control practices, including good hand hygiene and the correct use of PPE. These small actions make a big difference in protecting our residents, families, and staff.

Please be assured that we are monitoring the situation closely and will notify you of any changes. If you are unwell or have any flu-like symptoms, please do not visit the home.  

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support during this time. Our team remains fully committed to providing the utmost care, comfort, and support to your loved ones.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Dear Whiddon Residents, Clients and Representatives,

IMPORTANT SECURITY REMINDER: Be Alert to Payment Scams

We want to remind you to stay vigilant when it comes to emails requesting changes to payment or bank account details.

Scammers sometimes impersonate legitimate organisations, including aged care providers, and send fraudulent emails requesting payments to new or unfamiliar bank details.

What you need to know:

Whiddon will never email you requesting payment to new bank details
Our bank account details do not change. Any communication about payment details will come through official channels and can be verified by calling us directly.

Do not make payments to new or unfamiliar bank details
If you receive an email requesting payment to new or changed bank details – even if it appears to come from Whiddon or references an “ERP” – do not transfer any funds.

Always verify before you pay
If you’re ever unsure about payment details or receive an unexpected request, please call us directly on 1300 738 388. Never verify payment information by replying to emails.

If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from Whiddon, please contact us on 1300 738 388 so we can investigate.

Thank you for your vigilance and ongoing trust in Whiddon. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

– Whiddon

Dear Employees, Families, Friends & Representatives,

Following our communication on Saturday (January 2nd) regarding the conclusion of the COVID-19 outbreak at Taylor House, we are writing to provide an important update.

While the outbreak has been declared over, we are currently experiencing a moderate risk of acute respiratory infection (ARI) transmission across the wider Easton Park campus and local community. As a precautionary measure, we are asking all employees and visitors to Taylor House to continue wearing surgical masks while in the building.

This measure aligns with current precautions across the campus and helps protect our residents and employees during this period of increased respiratory illness activity.

If you are feeling unwell or showing any signs of cold and flu symptoms, we ask you to please refrain from visiting the home.

We appreciate your understanding and continued cooperation in supporting the health and wellbeing of our community.

Kind regards

Whiddon

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

We are pleased to inform you that the COVID-19 outbreak in Whiddon Easton Park – Taylor House has been officially declared over.

Please note, Surgical Masks are no longer required when visiting the home.

If you are feeling unwell or showing any signs of cold and flu symptoms, we ask you to please refrain from visiting the home. The health of our residents and employees is our utmost priority.

Thank you to all who assisted in the management of the outbreak and to our residents and families for their patience and understanding.

Kind Regards,

– Whiddon

Dear Whiddon Moree Families, Friends & Representatives,

We have declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility in line with NSW Health Public Health Unit guidelines.

At present, 3 residents have tested COVID-19 positive. All residents are clinically stable and recovering well, with no major symptoms identified.

Please note, visiting may still occur under the following conditions:

• All visitors are required to complete a COVID RAT before entering the facility
• RAT results must be shown to the RN or administration staff before entry
• Visitors should follow all infection control measures in place while on site

We ask you to refrain from visiting if you are feeling unwell or showing any signs of cold and flu symptoms.

Thank you for your support.

– Whiddon

Dear residents, families and representatives,

This Tuesday, Whiddon Maclean will officially begin using the new Clinical Manager system. This is an exciting milestone that will help us deliver care in a more consistent and efficient way.

You may see staff using the system on mobile phones, tablets or computers, but please be assured that your care will continue as usual. The new system is designed to help our team look after you even better.

Thank you for your patience and support as we move to this new way of working.

If you have any questions, please contact your RSM.

– Whiddon