Author: micheller

A Message for Whiddon Corporate Employees

7th April 2022

We have had a staff member test positive to COVID-19 and number of staff who are close contacts in McDowell House.

If you have worked in McDowell House for a period longer than 4 consecutive hours over the past 2 days, please notify your Manager and work from home until further notice. Cleaning is also being undertaken in McDowell House as a precaution.

Please continue to monitor for symptoms and notify your Manager if you have any concerns.

Update for Whiddon Hornsby families

29 March 2022

We would like to advise you that due to heavy rainfall in the area, Whiddon Hornsby has experienced some localised flooding.

The ground floor has been impacted by this water which has resulted in one of the elevators being out of order at this time. The second elevator is operational, however please expect delays if you’re visiting at this time due to the additional demand of this elevator. The impact of this is only to the downstairs area and all other areas of the care home such as resident’s rooms have not been impacted. Residents and employees are doing well.

We ask you for your patience and understanding at this time and will provide a further update if anything changes.

 

Update to Whiddon Beaudesert Employees

26 March 2022
We have had a number of residents and staff members test positive to COVID-19 at Whiddon Beaudesert via rapid antigen testing. We have activated our COVID-19 outbreak management plan to ensure all necessary precautionary measures are implemented.
Our robust COVID-19 management plan means that we have strict protocols in place to avoid potential spread of the virus across our care homes. We are now awaiting the results of PCR tests undertaken by residents.
As a precaution, for now, only visits for essential caring or on compassionate grounds will be permitted on the Upper Rainbow Wing. Residents are strongly encouraged to not leave the care home at this time, as a precaution.
We are working closely with the local Public Health Unit and following their advice. We understand that this is a challenging time for everyone, but we want you to know that it is our highest priority to keep everyone in our family safe and well, and we are doing everything we can to achieve this.
We are also committed to keeping you up-to-date of the situation and will provide a further update once we know more.
We thank you for your understanding and support.

Update to Whiddon Beaudesert families

26 March 2022

We have had a number of residents and staff members test positive to COVID-19 at Whiddon Beaudesert via rapid antigen testing. We have activated our COVID-19 outbreak management plan to ensure all necessary precautionary measures are implemented.
Our robust COVID-19 management plan means that we have strict protocols in place to avoid potential spread of the virus across our care homes. We are now awaiting the results of PCR tests undertaken by residents.
As a precaution, for now, only visits for essential caring or on compassionate grounds will be permitted on the Upper Rainbow Wing. Residents are strongly encouraged to not leave the care home at this time, as a precaution.
We are working closely with the local Public Health Unit and following their advice. We understand that this is a challenging time for everyone, but we want you to know that it is our highest priority to keep everyone in our family safe and well, and we are doing everything we can to achieve this.
We are also committed to keeping you up-to-date of the situation and will provide a further update once we know more.
We thank you for your understanding and support.

Supporting our people through the floods

17 March 2022

Following the recent flood disasters in NSW and QLD, Whiddon is providing immediate support for our people in flood-affected areas.

Whiddon Flood Relief Help

  • Hardship financial assistance – Whiddon will provide financial assistance for our people who have experienced significant loss as a result of the floods. We are currently reviewing applications for Hardship. If you would still like to apply, please speak with your Manager.
  • Natural Disaster Leave – Employees who have been flooded-in and unable to attend work have been paid for their shifts via Natural Disaster Leave. We will continue to provide this leave as required.
  • Above & Beyond Vouchers – We have heard inspiring stories about our people going “Above & Beyond” to help residents, colleagues, and their community during the floods. We have already provided a range vouchers to employees going  “Above & Beyond”. You can continue to nominate people for these vouchers via your Manager.
  • Everyday Hero Nominations – It’s a timely reminder to consider nominating someone you have seen shine during this period as part of our new, year-round, staff recognition program. The program provides the opportunity for you to nominate peers who live our values of “Creating exceptional impact”, “Nurturing Relationships & Communities” and “Being Innovative & Progressive”. The winners of each Everyday Hero campaign will also be part of our Annual Board of Directors Awards in November. Nominate Now!

How you can help

Many of you have reached-out to ask how you can help our people and communities affected by the floods. There are many ways you can support!

  • Donate to help – Whiddon has set-up a donation page to make it easy for people who are able to donate to support our employees affected by the floods. All donations $2 or more are tax-deductible and every cent counts! Donate Now
  • Give time, goods or services with GIVIT – simply visit givit.org.au to provide goods and services or to find out more about volunteering your time. GIVIT ensures you give the right help, at the right time, to the people who really need it!

We will continue to be there for our people as the weeks and months go by following the floods. Let’s all get involved in supporting where we can!

Please also remember that this is a difficult time and you can always reach-out for Free counselling via our Employee Assistance Line (EAP) on 1800 818 728 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Take care,

Chris & Alyson