Author: Hansel Almeida

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Following consultation with the Public Health Unit, we are pleased to inform you that the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Whiddon Belmont has been officially declared over.

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 for your patience and understanding.

Kind Regards,
– Whiddon

Dear Families Friends and Representatives,

We would like to inform you that a Robovacuum trial will be conducted in our Whiddon Easton Park – Arthur Webb Court home on Monday, October 20, 2025.

During this trial, the following machines will be in operation:

1. Cenobots SP50 – Sweep and vacuum cleaner
2. Ikitbot One – Compact 4-in-1 scrubber

This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance cleanliness and efficiency within the home. Please be mindful of the equipment in use during your visit.

Thank you for your cooperation.

AWC Team

Dear Volunteers,

We’re excited to share that volunteers now have access to MyLearning, our online training platform.

With MyLearning you can:

• Complete the training you need for your volunteer role.
• Stay prepared for the upcoming Aged Care Act requirements.
• Explore more than 90,000 courses across a wide range of topics – from professional development to personal interests.

Getting Started

Follow the step-by-step instructions here from our ICT team to log in and access MyLearning for the first time.

Coming soon!

In the future, you’ll also receive access to Microsoft Teams, which will make it easier to stay connected, engage with other volunteers, and enjoy Whiddon perks such as prize draws and special offers.

Thank you for being part of our volunteer community – we can’t wait to see you make the most of these new opportunities!

– Kind Regards,
Whiddon

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have an Influenza A outbreak at our Whiddon Kyogle home.

Visitors are still welcome, but please note that P2 masks (supplied) are to be worn at all times while inside the home.

If you are unwell or have any flu-like symptoms, please do not visit the home.  

We thank everyone for their support and commitment to resident and employee safety.

The Whiddon Team

Dear Families friends and representatives,

We are writing to inform you that the current COVID-19 outbreak has spread. The health and wellbeing of our residents, staff, and visitors remain our highest priority, and we are actively working with public health authorities to manage the situation.

Visitor Guidelines (Effective Immediately):

• Required to present a negative RAT prior to entering the Home
• Required to wear a N95 mask while inside the facility.
• Postpone visits if you are feeling unwell or have any cold and flu symptoms.
• Practice good hand hygiene and use sanitiser upon entry and exit.
• Follow all directions provided by staff during your visit.

We thank you for your patience and understanding while our team manages the outbreak

– The Whiddon Team

Dear consumers, families, and carers,

We are pleased to inform you that we are transitioning to a new clinical documentation system called Clinical Manager.

This change will bring several important benefits, including:

• Simpler and clearer clinical documentation, which will help our staff spend more time focusing on care.
• Improved communication within our team, ensuring care is informed, consistent, and responsive.
• Mobile point-of-care documentation, allowing our staff to record care in real time using a secure mobile app.
• Updates will be sent to the person responsible (via email or SMS), including non-urgent information where appropriate. Please note; these messages are system-generated and cannot be replied to. If you have any enquiries, please contact your RSM directly.

Please be assured that in the case of any emergency, we will always call you directly.

We are committed to delivering the highest standard of care, and this new system is an important step in continuing to improve how we support you and your loved ones.

If you have any questions about this change, please don’t hesitate to contact us

– Whiddon

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have confirmed positive Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases in Whiddon Belmont.

To assist in controlling the outbreak, we strongly encourage you to delay your visit where possible to protect your own wellbeing and to avoid any further potential spread.

Surgical masks are to be worn by all visitors. Please also attend to hand hygiene when entering the home.

Please note: If you are unwell or have any flu-like symptoms, we ask that you please do not visit the home.

The families of residents who have tested positive will be contacted directly by the team.

We appreciate your understanding and support. Our team is here to provide the best possible care for your loved ones and we are confident that we can manage this outbreak effectively.

– The Whiddon Team

Dear family, friends & representatives,

I hope you are all well.

I am writing to inform you that Whiddon is collaborating on a research project to see whether residents feel better and/or have fewer side effects when their medications are specifically prescribed, based on their genetics. We are partnering with the University of Sydney, Monash University, myDNA and Choice Aged Care to see if genetic testing can help find the right medicines for each person.

Resident participation in the study is completely voluntary. We will be discussing the study with each resident and asking for their consent in the next few weeks. As their Registered Supporter, you may need to provide consent if you agree to the resident, you represent joining the study.

Participation in the study involves residents having their cheek swabbed by one of our team. This sample will be sent for genetic testing and an individual report with recommendations will go to the resident’s pharmacist and GP who provide their usual care. Based on the report, the GP may choose to customise the medication type and dose.

Please see below a link to:

1. A Participant Information Sheet (PIS) which contains detailed information about the research project. This information is for you to keep.
2. A Participant Consent Form (PCF). If you agree to the resident you represent joining the study, this document needs to be filled in and signed.

You may choose whichever option is most convenient for you to return it:

1. Sign electronically using Adobe Acrobat Reader (fill and sign tool) and then email it back.
2. Print, fill/sign and scan the document and then email it back to e.wehbe@whiddon.com.au.
3. Print and sign, then bring the hard copy with you during your next visit.
4. Sign a printed copy available at our office when you come in.
5. Drop off a signed copy at the admin office during regular hours.

Alternatively, please let us know if you would not like the resident you represent to be approached.

Thank you for your time and cooperation.

Kavita Singh
Care Service Manager- EPU

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Following consultation with the Public Health Unit, we are pleased to inform you that the COVID-19 outbreak in Whiddon Narrabri – Jessie Hunt has been officially declared over.

Please note, Surgical Masks are still 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 Families friends and representatives,

We are writing to inform you that 2 COVID-19 positive cases have been identified. The health and wellbeing of our residents, staff, and visitors remain our highest priority, and we are actively working with public health authorities to manage the situation.

Current Status:

• COVID-19 positive cases have been isolated and are receiving appropriate care.
• Infection prevention and control protocols have been immediately enacted.
• Regular testing of residents and staff is underway.
• Enhanced cleaning procedures are being carried out throughout the facility.

Visitor Guidelines (Effective Immediately):

• To protect our residents and staff, we kindly ask all visitors to:
• Postpone visits if you are feeling unwell or have any COVID-19 symptoms.
• Wear a N95 mask while inside the facility.
• Practice good hand hygiene and use sanitiser upon entry and exit.
• Follow all directions provided by staff during your visit.

We understand that this may be concerning, but please be assured that we are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of your loved ones.

– The Whiddon Team