Author: despinao

Dear Residents, Families, Friends & Representatives of Whiddon Wingham,

Please read for an update regarding the current COVID-19 exposure/outbreak at Whiddon Wingham.

First of all, we want to thank you all for your patience during this time. We are moving forward with better news!

The residents that have consented for Antiviral medication have been recuperating speedily and we have taken all measures to ensure the wellbeing of the residents during this recovery period.

There is still Covid out there in the community. As a result, we have experienced one resident and at least one staff positive cases including 2 residents in the Primrose wing in the last week.

There have also been instances where members of the community have not followed our precautions of wearing COVID masks and following hand hygiene instructions, which has been challenging for after-hours employees. These are in place to keep our residents, employees and wider Whiddon community safe.

As a reminder, I request that all community members adhere to infection control precautions of wearing a mask throughout the time when visiting and practicing hand hygiene on arrival and frequently if coming in contact with objects and when leaving the premises. Where unsure you can ask the RN staff to guide you. Your cooperation is highly appreciated.

We are taking all measures as per NSW COVID guidelines with residents and staff to ensure the outbreak.

The safety of our residents and team members is our number one priority and your support is essential in overcoming this outbreak!

For this to take place, please note:

• Visiting may still occur during this period, restricted to resident rooms only.
• Visitors are required to follow our safety precautions including:
  • RAT to be attended on entry and N95 mask to be applied prior to visiting.
  • Regular handwashing and use of hand sanitizers are strongly encouraged. Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout  the Wingham Wing and other areas including reception.
  • For those visitors who are visiting positive residents we have supplied full PPE. Please wear them correctly during your visit and seek RN assistance if you need.
  • Maintain appropriate social distancing whenever possible.

• All visitors are encouraged to consider postponing any visits if they are unwell or experiencing any flu-like symptoms.

We thank everyone for their support and understanding while our team manage this exposure/outbreak.

Please do feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns on 02-5594 3200.

Kind Regards,

Veronica John
Residential Services Manager

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives of Easton Park Units,

Please be advised that Whiddon Easton Park – EPU is currently dealing with a COVID exposure.

Please note:

• Visiting may still occur during this period, restricted to resident rooms.
• Visitors are required to follow our safety precautions including:
  • N95 mask to be applied prior to entering the care home.
  • Regular handwashing and use of hand sanitisers are strongly encouraged. Hand sanitising stations are available throughout the care home.
  • Maintain appropriate social distancing whenever possible. Visits should be conducted in resident rooms or on balconies.
• All visitors are encouraged to consider postponing any visits if they are unwell or experiencing any flu-like symptoms. The safety of our residents and team members is our number one priority.

We thank everyone for their support and understanding while our team manage this outbreak.

The Whiddon Team

Dear Easton Park Families,

We hope this message finds you well.

At Whiddon, we understand the importance of staying connected with your community and having the ability to access important specialist and medical appointments.

As a gentle reminder, we would like to highlight the guidance provided in our Resident Handbook regarding medical appointments:

“Medical specialists of your choice may be consulted by referral from your visiting GP. You and/or your representative are responsible for your travel and care to and from any external appointments. If you require assistance with travel, please talk to reception.”

While we are always happy to assist with transport arrangements, it’s important to note that it may not always be possible to have staff available to provide transport on every occasion.

As an alternative, we would like to inform you about our Accompanied Transport Service, provided by our Community Care Team. This service offers much more than just a ride; a qualified care worker will accompany your loved one, providing support throughout the journey. Please note, this is not a regular taxi service. The cost for Accompanied Transport includes both the care worker’s time and the kilometers traveled.

We understand that the cost of transport can vary depending on your situation, which is why Aged Care Transport services can be covered in multiple ways, including through a Home Care Package, the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), the NDIS, or by private payment.

We strive to do everything we can to accommodate transport requests for medical appointments. However, in rare instances where we are unable to arrange transport, we encourage families to consider the Accompanied Transport Service as a convenient and supportive option.

If you would like more information or need assistance with transport arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact your Residential Services Manager or fill in the Accompanied Transport Referral Form.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.

Dear Grafton Employees,

On Monday 26 August and Tuesday 27 August, Jacquie Boustani from the People and Culture team will be onsite to speak with staff about their experience of working at Whiddon Grafton.

The discussion will involve being asked a number of set questions of which the responses will then be used to better understand what is working well and what could be improved to enhance both the work environment but also the home for our residents.

The process is confidential, and no one will be identified in the overall report.

If you are not rostered on this day and would like an opportunity to speak with her then you can let her know by sending an email to J.Boustani@whiddon.com.au or alternatively pacbusinesspartners@whiddon.com.au to arrange an alternative time.

I look forward to meeting you next week.

Kindest,
Jacquie Boustani

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Following from our last update on Thursday, 8th August, We are pleased to advise that the Outbreak has been declared over by the Public Health Unit.

Due to moderate-high community cases, visitation rules remain the same:

• RAT testing is strongly encouraged to be taken prior to entry into our care home
• N95 Masks to be worn
• Visitations are encouraged inside the resident’s room.

Families are encouraged to refrain from visiting their loved ones if they are feeling unwell to keep our residents and staff safe.

Thank you to our team who are supporting residents through this outbreak.

We appreciate your support and understanding during this period. We also welcome feedbacks in regards to our Outbreak management.

The Whiddon Team

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we are currently experiencing a Gastroenteritis Outbreak across our entire carehome at Whiddon Mudgee.

The team are working closely with the Public Health Unit and we will keep everyone updated as changes occur.

We strongly encourage you to delay your visit where possible to protect your own wellbeing and to avoid any further potential spread.

Further updates will be provided in due course, and we thank you for your understanding during this time.

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we are currently in Outbreak Management after five residents tested positive to COVID in the Kingston Wing.

Please note, visiting may still occur however, we ask you refrain from visiting if you are feeling unwell or showing any signs of cold and flu symptoms. The health of our residents and employees is our utmost priority.

For now, the following precautions are still in place at our care home, including:

• • Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are strongly encouraged by all employees and visitors prior to entry.
  • N95 Masks and Full PPE are to be worn
  • Regular handwashing and use of hand sanitisers are strongly encouraged. Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the care home.
  • Maintain appropriate social distancing whenever possible.
  • Visits should be conducted in resident rooms.

We thank everyone for their support and understanding while our staff manage this outbreak.

The Whiddon Team

Dear Valued Clients and family members,

From 1^st August 2024, we are moving to a new client management and rostering system called AlayaCare. There will be no significant changes for our clients or the ongoing care you receive from Whiddon. Our Home Care Package clients will notice that our Monthly Statements will have a new look and feel when we move to the new system.

 This will be a significant period of change for Whiddon’s community care staff as they get used to our new system. Over the longer term, we believe AlayaCare will offer many positive changes for our team and improve your experience with us too.

We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as our team adjusts to the new system.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Coordinator or to our Customer Liaison Team on 1300 738 388, or hello@Whiddon.com.au

Kind Regards,
Whiddon

Dear Families, Friends and Representatives,

We are pleased to inform you that the COVID19 outbreak at our Belmont site has been declared over as of today.

Please note:

• You are still required to wear a surgical mask when visiting.
• Please refrain from visiting if you have cold or flu symptoms.
• You may be asked to attend a Rapid Antigen Test if you appear unwell when you arrive to visit.
• Please attend regular hand hygiene when onsite.

We thank you for your patience and understanding during this prolonged outbreak

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please note, we have had two residents test positive to COVID-19. Please note, visiting may still occur however, we ask you refrain from visiting if you are feeling unwell or showing any signs of cold and flu symptoms. The health of our residents and employees is our utmost priority.

For now, the following precautions are in place at our care home, including:

• • Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are required by all employees and visitors before entry.
  • N95 Masks are to be worn (provided).
  • Regular handwashing and use of hand sanitisers are strongly encouraged. Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the care home.
  • Maintain appropriate social distancing whenever possible.
  • Visits should be conducted in resident rooms or on balconies.

We thank everyone for their support and understanding while our staff manage this outbreak.

The Whiddon Team