Author: Hansel Almeida

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

We would like to advise all families that there is currently a Gastroenteritis outbreak at Whiddon Easton Park – EPU affecting level 3.  Families of residents who are directly affected have been notified.

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.

If it is necessary that you visit, please wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before visiting and when leaving the home. If you have any questions, please contact the nurse in charge.

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

Regards,
Whiddon

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have 3 active positive COVID-19 cases at Whiddon Easton Park – Sir David Martin, Leslie Lock 1. 

Visitation is to continue in resident rooms and N95 mask are to be worn.  Please consult with the registered nurse on duty.

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

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

We know that this is a challenging time, and 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 Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have 3 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases at Whiddon Easton Park – Sir David Martin, Leslie Lock 1. 

The outbreak management plan has activated today, and the affected residents are isolating in their rooms.

Visitation is to continue in resident rooms and N95 mask are to be worn.  Please consult with the registered nurse on duty.

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

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

We know that this is a challenging time, and 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 Families, Friends & Representatives,

Following consultation with the Public Health Unit, we are pleased to inform you that the outbreak in Whiddon Largs has been officially declared over.

Due to moderate levels of COVID-19 in the community, surgical masks are still required when visiting the home.

RA testing is not required when visiting the home, however we ask you to please 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.

Kind Regards,
– Whiddon Largs

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have a confirmed positive COVID-19 case at Whiddon Maclean. 

All visitors to RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) prior to entry, and to wear a N95 mask at all times when visiting the home.

Please note: If you are unwell or have any flu-like symptoms, please refrain from visiting the home.

The family of the resident who has tested positive will be contacted directly by the team.

We know that this is a challenging time, and 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 exposure effectively.

– The Whiddon Team

Dear Families and Representatives,

I hope you all had a restful  Easter break.

I am writing to provide you with an update regarding the current Influenza A outbreak within our Wingham/Ashmore home.

In the Wingham/Ashmore Wing, we currently have five residents confirmed with Influenza A. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are hopeful that if no new cases are identified, we will be in a position to declare the outbreak over by the end of this week. Our team remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all residents.

As of today, we have observed more than four residents in the other wing- Primrose Wing presenting with flu-like symptoms. As a proactive measure, we have conducted PCR testing on all affected individuals and are currently awaiting the results.

Key Actions:

• Visitor Guidelines: We ask that you limit visitation. If you are unwell with fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue, it is advisable not to attend the facility until you are well.
• Mandatory Masks: All staff in Wingham/Ashmore Wing must wear surgical masks at all times until further notice.
• Hygiene Measures: Frequent handwashing and sanitizer use are essential for all visitors entering and leaving the wing.
• PPE Use: Visitors must wear appropriate protective gear when interacting with positive resident

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety of our community. Please reach out with any questions. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued commitment to the health and safety of our residents and staff.

– Veronica John
Residential Services Manager – Wingham

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have 2 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases at Whiddon Largs. 

All visitors to RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) prior to entry, and to wear a N95 mask at all times when visiting the home.

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

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

We know that this is a challenging time, and 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

Whiddon Kyogle is collaborating on a research project to implement a Pharmacogenomics testing service in residential aged care.

The study will evaluate whether residents achieve better health outcomes if their medications are tailored to their individual genetic profiles.

Whiddon have chosen to participate in the research as a commitment to continuously improving the clinical care of residents.

The project will likely commence on Thursday 22nd May 2025.

Only those residents who consent will participate.

If you would like your loved one to participate in the study and wish to give your consent, please notify the management team – Alaya Mu (Residential Services Manager), Megan Polley (Care Services Manager), or Sam Pandey (Clinical Care Co-ordinator).

You can do this via phone call on – 6632 5600, or email Kyogle@whiddon.com.au

For those who consent, an oral swab sample will be taken and sent for genetic testing and an individual report, with recommendations, will go to Choice Pharmacy for review.

Choice Pharmacy will forward their reviews to the GP for their consideration.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out or view this link for more information.

Regards,
Whiddon Kyogle

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have a COVID-19 outbreak at Whiddon Laurieton. 

All visitors to RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) prior to entry, and to wear a N95 mask at all times when visiting the home.

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

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

We know that this is a challenging time, and 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 Whiddon Easton Park – Sir David Martin and Taylor House Residents, Families & Representatives,

Please find important information regarding a visit to Whiddon Easton Park – Sir David Martin and Taylor House from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission here:
Whiddon Easton Park – Sir David Martin and Taylor House ACQSC Audit

You can find information and instructions on how to leave feedback via the above link.

Regards,

The Whiddon Team