Author: Hansel Almeida

Dear Employees,  Families, Friends & Representatives,

We would like to provide an update regarding the COVID-19 outbreak at Whiddon Narrabri – Jessie Hunt.  

Currently we have 5 cases of COVID-19, with all residents doing well. No staff have been impacted at this time.  We will continue to follow the advice of the Public Health Unit.

The following precautions are in place at our care home:

• Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are required by all visitors before entry.
• Appropriate masks are to be worn (provided).

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.

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

The Whiddon Team

Dear Employees, Families, Friends & Representatives,

We are advising that our Narrabri – Jessie Hunt home is currently experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak.

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.

The following precautions are in place at our care home:

• Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are required by all visitors before entry.
• Appropriate masks are to be worn (provided).

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

The Whiddon Team

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Following consultation with the Public Health Unit, we are pleased to inform you that the Influenza A outbreak in Whiddon Easton Park – Taylor House, Christie 1 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.

Kind Regards,
– Whiddon

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

We are pleased to advise the Gastroenteritis outbreak at Whiddon Narrabri – Jessie Hunt has been officially declared over by the Public Health Unit.

Thank you for your patience during this time

Regards,
Whiddon

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have an Influenza A outbreak in Christie, Level 1.

Visitors are still welcome, but please note that we kindly request N95 masks are 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 & Representatives,

As we are now out of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, RA tests are no longer required, however Surgical masks are to be worn (provided).

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.

We thank everyone for their support and understanding.

The Whiddon Team

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

We would like to provide an update regarding the Gastroenteritis outbreak at Whiddon Narrabri – Jessie Hunt.  

The outbreak continues at this time, however only limited residents remain impacted and all employees have now returned to work.

Visitors are still welcome but will be required to use PPE if visiting residents who are personally impacted by this Outbreak.

We will continue to work with the Public Health Unit to resolve the matter quickly.

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

Regards,
Whiddon

Dear Residents and Families,

We are pleased to let you know that Whiddon Moree will be introducing a new mobile optometry service for our residents. This clinic specialises in providing on-site eye care to aged care facilities across Australia, offering the same quality of care you would expect from your local optometrist – all from the comfort of our home.

Date: Monday, 3rd November
Appointments: From 9:00am
How to book: Please contact our Administration team to arrange an appointment.
Links: Information pamphlet and consent form

What residents can expect:

• Bulk-billed eye examinations in the familiarity of our facility.
• Comprehensive checks for conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
• A full eye care report provided to the facility and to the nominated EPOA/NOK.
• Glasses and vision aids supplied (if required), with personalised engraving. Delivered and fitted on-site within 2–3 weeks.
• After-care services for glasses, including on-site repairs and adjustments.
• Referral to ophthalmology if needed.

We are excited to be able to offer this new service and encourage families to take advantage of this convenient, high-quality care for their loved ones.

If you have any questions, please contact our Administration team.
– Whiddon Moree

Dear Families, 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 on Tuesday 9th September and Wednesday 10th September. As their Registered Supporter/ Person responsible, 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 links 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:

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

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

Thank you for your time and cooperation.

Kind regards,
Manju Thomas
RSM

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

We are advising that our Wee Waa home is currently experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak.

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.

The following precautions are in place at our care home:

• Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are required by all visitors before entry.
• Appropriate masks are to be worn (provided).

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

The Whiddon Team