Author: Hansel Almeida

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

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

We are advising that our Kyogle 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 employees and visitors before entry.
• P2 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,

We would like to provide an update regarding the Gastroenteritis outbreak at Whiddon Narrabri – Jessie Hunt.  We currently have 11 residents and 3 team members with Gastroenteritis symptoms.

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 Families, Friends & Representatives,

We would like to advise that there is currently a Gastroenteritis outbreak at Whiddon Narrabri – Jessie Hunt.  Families of residents who are directly affected have been notified.

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

We are working in partnership 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 Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have a COVID-19 outbreak at Whiddon Temora – Narraburra Lodge. 

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.

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 the phone system will be unavailable on Wednesday night 13th August for a 6-hour period to allow for a server activity as per details below:

Outage:
FROM: 08:00pm Wednesday 13th August 2025
TO: 02:00am Thursday 14th August 2025

The above times are Australian Eastern Time (AET).

Please note, the main phone line will be diverted to the sites Emergency mobile phones. All direct numbers to our residents will be unavailable.

Thank you for your understanding.

The Whiddon Team

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Following consultation with the Public Health Unit, we are pleased to inform you that the RSV outbreak in Whiddon Easton Park – EPU Home has been officially declared over.

Due to high levels of respiratory viruses circulating in the community, please wear a surgical mask 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.

Kind Regards,
– Whiddon

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Following consultation with the Public Health Unit, we are pleased to inform you that the Influenza outbreak in Whiddon Easton Park – Sir David Martin has been officially declared over.

During this time, we have had 14 resident cases and 2 employee cases.

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

Good afternoon,

Further to our recent Resident meeting and discussions with our residents, we would like to inform you of an upcoming change.

On 9th September 2025, Whiddon Maclean will transition from our current provider, Advantage Pharmacy, to Chem Pro Pharmacy.

This decision has been driven by the many benefits Chem Pro Pharmacy offers to our residents.

To ensure all residents are set up with their new pharmacy account, we kindly ask that you visit our friendly administrative staff. They’ll be happy to help you complete the necessary paperwork.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to either the Residential Service Manager or the Care Service Manager.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Christine Marando
Residential Services Manager