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Update for Whiddon Easton Park Taylor House Families & Staff

9 September 2022

We write to provide you with an update on the COVID outbreak at Taylor House. There have been additional positive cases since the previous update, with Straughen 1 and Christie 2 now impacted.

Christie 1 is still a red zone; and some parts of Straughen 1 and Christie 2 are also red zones.

We are working closely with the local Public Health Unit, and the Outbreak Management Plan remains activated.

All staff are required to wear face shields and N95 masks when entering the building; and full PPE is required for all red zones.   

VISITATIONS:

  • For residents in Christie 1, Christie 2, and Straughen 1: visitations are restricted to partners in care or one nominated visitor, for compassionate and essential visits only.
  • For residents in other areas of Taylor House Building (outside of Christie 1, Christie 2 and Straughen 1):  normal visitation arrangements apply.

Please note:

  • All visits must be pre-booked
  • Upon arrival, visitors will be required to complete a RAT test
  • Visitors are required to wear PPE for the duration of their visit

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time, and will provide further updates as the situation evolves.

The Whiddon Team

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Update for Whiddon Mudgee Pioneer Families

Dear Residents and Families,

As many of you will know, management of Pioneer House Mudgee was transitioned to Whiddon Mudgee Pioneer in January 2020.

Since that time, we have been committed to ensuring the Home meets Whiddon’s high standards of care and services.

Last month, Whiddon Mudgee Pioneer underwent their re-accreditation audit with the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission (ACQSC). We are very pleased to let you know that we have achieved a full accreditation across all Standards from the  ACQSC.

We are so grateful to our residents, families  and staff  for your support in helping us to achieve these excellent results. As a large provider with a long and proud history, and a strong track record in regional communities, we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Mudgee Community.

Kind Regards
Cheryl Barnes
Director of Care

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Update for Whiddon Kelso Families and Staff

An update for Whiddon Kelso Families and Staff

7 September 2022

We write to provide you with an update on the COVID-19 outbreak at Whiddon Kelso. There have been additional positive cases, including a small number identified in Kingston Wing.

The Outbreak Management Plan has now been activated for Kingston Wing, and remains active for Bedwell Wing.

Residents in Kingston and Bedwell Wings are asked to remain in their relevant Wings, and all social outings are cancelled until further notice. Essential medical appointments may proceed as per usual.

Other wings of the Facility have not been impacted at this point in terms of exposure, and there will be no changes to planned outings or visitation arrangements for residents in those unaffected wings.

The health and safety of our residents and staff are of utmost priority, and we are continuing to work closely with the local Public Health Unit as we manage this outbreak.

Visitations to Kingston Wing, and Bedwell Wing, are restricted to compassionate and essential visits only, with only one designated visitor per resident. In addition, please note:

  • All visits must be pre-booked
  • Upon arrival, visitors will be required to complete a RAT test
  • Visitors are required to wear PPE for the duration of their visit

Visiting hours for the rest of the Facility (outside of Kingston Wing and Bedwell Wing): remain Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm. Bookings must be made with Administration prior to your proposed visit.

We thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation, and will keep you updated as the situation evolves.

The Whiddon Team

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Update for Whiddon Narrabri Jessie Hunt Families – Outbreak Declared Over

6 September 2022

We are pleased to advise that in alignment with, and as confirmed by, the Public Health Unit, the COVID outbreak at Whiddon Narrabri – Jessie Hunt has been declared over. 

The residents may move freely and visitors may be welcomed back, in accordance with the Current NSW Government Advice to Residential Aged Care Facilities and Whiddon Policies and Guidelines.

Visitors are now welcome as of today, Tuesday 6 September. All functions of the home have returned to normal. Thank you to all our families and residents for your support and co-operation during the outbreak.

We take this opportunity to thank our team at Whiddon Narrabri for all their hard work and efforts. 

Please note the following guidelines:

  • Visitations may recommence. Visits must be booked in advance.
  • Whiddon strongly recommends all relevant vaccinations of both COVID-19 and influenza for all visitors.
  • Non-vaccinated visitors are able to visit their loved ones in an outdoor area wearing N95 masks and face shields. Non-vaccinated visitors should not enter a home unless approval is given by the DCS/DDCS Team based on individual circumstances e.g. end of life, compassionate visits, resident wellbeing.
  • Visitors must wear an N95 mask, face shield and complete a rapid antigen test as a condition of entry.
  • Up to 2 children under 12 years are permitted to visit provided they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated person.
  • Wherever possible, the visit should be in residents’ rooms or in an outdoor area. Visits should not be in any indoor communal areas.
  • Visitors must check in through our visitor check-in system.
  • Visitors must not visit if they have COVID-19 symptoms, or if they have been exposed to COVID-19 (unless they have completed their self-isolation and testing requirements). People who have had high risk exposures should not enter high risk settings for at least 14 days since their exposure to a COVID-positive person.
  • Visitors must not visit if they are waiting for a COVID-19 test result, feel unwell or have been overseas in the previous 14 days, unless they are: fully vaccinated, it has been at least 7 days after arrival and they have received a negative antigen test 6 days or later after arriving in NSW.
  • Staff are required to continue to wear N95 masks and face shields / goggles.

Thank you again, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

The Whiddon Team

 

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Update for Whiddon Kelso

A message for Whiddon Kelso Families and Staff

5 September 2022

Further to the message sent last week, we write to provide you with an update on the COVID-19 outbreak at Whiddon Kelso. There have been additional positive cases, however the outbreak is still contained to Bedwell Wing.

Residents in Bedwell Wing are asked to remain in their Wing, and all social outings are cancelled until further notice. Essential medical appointments may proceed as per usual.

Other wings of the Facility have not been impacted at this point in terms of exposure, and there will be no changes to planned outings or visitation arrangements for residents in those unaffected wings.

We continue to work closely with the local Public Health Unit (PHU), and will be conducting PCR tests on all negative residents in Bedwell tomorrow morning as recommended by PHU.

The Outbreak Management Plan remains activated.

Visitations to Whiddon Kelso Bedwell Wing are restricted to compassionate and essential visits only, with only one designated visitor per resident. In addition, please note:

  • All visits must be pre-booked
  • Upon arrival, visitors will be required to complete a RAT test
  • Visitors are required to wear PPE for the duration of their visit

Visiting hours for the rest of the Facility (outside of Bedwell Wing): remain Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm. Bookings must be made with Administration prior to your proposed visit.

We thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation, and will keep you updated as the situation evolves.

The Whiddon Team

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Update for Whiddon Belmont Families

We write to advise that there has been a positive case in the Hostel area. The family of the resident involved has been contacted.

We are working closely with the local Public Health Unit, and have extended our Outbreak Management Plan to apply across all areas of Whiddon Belmont, including the four Hostels.

During this period, residents are asked to remain in their rooms and visitations are restricted to compassionate and essential visits only. All visits must be pre-booked; visitors will be asked to complete a RAT test upon arrival and wear PPE for the duration of their visit.

For any queries, or if you have any concerns, please contact Jo Peterson, Director of Care, on 0438 183 645.

We thank you for your support and will provide further updates as the situation evolves.

THE WHIDDON TEAM

Message for Whiddon Employees

Life sometimes presents us with challenging circumstances that make us feel overwhelmed, unsure or unsettled. People in your world won’t always tell you if something’s troubling them so it’s important you consider what’s going on in their lives and any changes you notice.

  • Are they experiencing relationship breakdowns?
  • Are they experiencing increased levels of stress or constant stress?
  • Are there any financial difficulties?
  • Have there been major changes at work, home or in life?
  • Have they experienced the loss of someone or something they care about?
  • Do they have a major health concern?

These are all tough circumstances for anyone to manage on their own which is why on R U OK? Day we remind everyone that every day is the day to think about who you might need to check in with to ask, “are you ok?” so those you care about know you are there for them if they need to chat.

We all have a role to play in building a community where people feel supported and connected and to help encourage everyone to look out for each other and lend support through all of life’s ups and downs, big or small. When that happens, it is comforting to know there is always someone we can talk to who can share the load and help us though.

In support of R U OK? Day we are providing you access to a popular webinar “Building Resilience” which will be conducted on Thursday September 8 at 11am. Click register for the webinar

You don’t need a qualification to have an R U OK? Conversation. Listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to help them through. There are 4 steps of the R U OK? Conversation.

Click HERE to learn more about how to start and have the R U OK? Conversation or visit ruok.org.au

Don’t forget to you can also contact our Employee Assistance Program AccessEAP on 1800 818 728 for 24/7 advice and extra support for you and your immediate family members.

Let’s continue to be part of the conversation movement. Let’s stay connected and make using “are you OK?” part of our everyday because a conversation could change a life?

Make every day R U OK? Day….

A Message for Whiddon Easton Park Taylor House Families

3 September 2022

We write to advise that, unfortunately, we had two residents and one visitor at Whiddon Easton Park (Taylor House) test positive to COVID-19. Families have been notified accordingly.

Testing of all residents and staff is ongoing, and the Outbreak Management Plan has been activated due to the positive cases that have already been identified.

VISITATIONS:

  • For residents in Christie 1: visitations are restricted to partners in care or one nominated visitor, for compassionate and essential visits only.
  • For residents in other areas of Taylor House Building (outside of Christie 1):  normal visitation arrangements apply.

Please note:

  • All visits must be pre-booked
  • Upon arrival, visitors will be required to complete a RAT test
  • Visitors are required to wear PPE for the duration of their visit

 

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time, and will provide a further update if anything changes.

 

The Whiddon Team

A message for Whiddon Kelso Families and Staff

1 September 2022

We write to advise that there is currently a COVID-19 outbreak in the Bedwell Wing at Whiddon Kelso. Residents in Bedwell Wing have been asked to stay in their Wing only, except to attend essential medical appointments. Unfortunately there can be no social outings at this stage.

Other wings of the Facility have not been impacted at this point in terms of exposure, and there will be no changes to planned outings or visitation arrangements for residents in those unaffected wings.

We have been working with the local Public Health Unit, and are following all recommendations accordingly. The Outbreak Management Plan has also been activated.

Visitations to Whiddon Kelso Bedwell Wing are restricted to compassionate and essential visits only, with only one designated visitor per resident. In addition, please note:

  • All visits must be pre-booked
  • Upon arrival, visitors will be required to complete a RAT test
  • Visitors are required to wear PPE for the duration of their visit

Visiting hours for the rest of the Facility (outside of Bedwell Wing): remain Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm. Bookings must be made with Administration prior to your proposed visit.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time, and will provide a further update if anything changes.

 

The Whiddon Team

Update for Whiddon Belmont Families

1 September 2022

We write to advise that, unfortunately, we have had three residents at Whiddon Belmont Memory Support Home (Moonyah) test positive to COVID-19. All families have been notified accordingly.

The Hostel area has not been impacted and is not in Outbreak mode. Normal visitations can continue for Hostel residents and their families.

There are also no positive cases reported amongst the staff.

Whiddon Belmont have been working with the local Public Health Unit, and the Outbreak Management Plan has been activated.

Visitations to Whiddon Belmont Memory Support Home (Moonyah) are restricted to compassionate and essential visits only.

  • All visits must be pre-booked
  • Upon arrival, visitors will be required to complete a RAT test
  • Visitors are required to wear PPE for the duration of their visit

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time, and will provide a further update if anything changes.

 

The Whiddon Team