16 August 2022

We wanted to let you know that we are currently dealing with an exposure to COVID-19 after a two employees tested positive over the weekend. Both these employees were wearing N95 masks during the time of their shift and for now this is considered low risk.

Currently, there are no changes to visitation however, we do want to remind you that COVID is very much in our communities, and to please refrain from visiting if unwell.

Please also ensure your visits must be pre-booked and the following applies:

• Whiddon strongly recommend 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 resident’s room or in an outdoor area. Visits should not be in any inside communal areas
• Visitors must check-in through our visitor check-in system
• Visitors must not visit if they have COVID-19 symptoms, 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

We will provide a further update if anything changes.

16 August 2022

15 August 2022

15th August 2022

The Whiddon Scheduling Team is experiencing temporary staffing shortages due to COVID-19 and influenza season.

These shortages are impacting on our staff.

Please be assured that we will respond to all enquiries and requests as soon as possible, however there may be some unexpected delays.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

The Whiddon Team

12 August 2022

We have been working closely with the local Public Health Unit (PHU) and would like to provide an update to you on the current COVID-19 outbreak at Whiddon Redhead.

Residents in Keppel House, Dudley West will undergo another round of PCR testing tomorrow. We have been advised by the PHU, if these tests return negative their outbreak will be declared over.

The outbreak in John Read House, Wing 6 will be declared over on 16 August, unless a resident shows signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and returns a positive test.

We are pleased to let you know, residents who have completed ten days in isolation and recovered, or have not tested positive to COVID-19 are now able to leave their rooms, although residents in Dudley West and John Read House, Wing 6 will have to remain within their area.

We thank you for your assistance during this time and will provide an update early next week.

11 August 2022

We wanted to let you know that we are currently dealing with an exposure to COVID-19 after a resident and employee tested positive. The family of this resident have been notified. Pleasingly, no other residents or employees have tested positive and we will be conducting further PCR testings to monitor residents who may have been in contact during the time of infection.

Currently, there are no changes to visitation however, we do want to remind you that COVID is very much in our communities, and to please refrain from visiting if unwell.

Please also ensure your visits must be pre-booked and the following applies:

• Whiddon strongly recommend 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 resident’s room or in an outdoor area. Visits should not be in any inside communal areas
• Visitors must check-in through our visitor check-in system
• Visitors must not visit if they have COVID-19 symptoms, 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

We will provide a further update if anything changes.

10 August 2022 

We have been working closely with the local Public Health Unit (PHU) and can provide you all with an update on the COVID-19 outbreak at Whiddon Casino.

Residents from the first floor, Lindwall have now passed their 10-day isolation period and can move around within their area. At this stage, visitations are still restricted to one nominated-partner-in-care as we wait for the last round of PCR tests today and confirmation from the local PHU that the outbreak is declared over.

Unfortunately, there has been a small number of residents test positive on ground floor, Cedars and we have now activated our COVID-19 outbreak management plan. All families have been notified and the residents are experiencing mild cold like symptoms. For now, visitations are restricted to one nominated-partner-in-care, and residents who are testing negative may leave the home for medical appointments.

We thank you for your assistance and will provide a further update in the coming days.

9 August 2022

We have been working with the local Public Health Unit and are pleased to share that our COVID outbreak at Whiddon Laurieton has been declared over and visitations can return to normal.

We do want to remind you to ensure your visits are pre-booked and the following applies:

• 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 resident’s room or in an outdoor area. Visits should not be in any inside communal areas
• Visitors must check-in through our visitor check-in system
• Visitors must not visit if they have COVID-19 symptoms, 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

We thank you for your patience and assistance during this time and want to acknowledge the support the dedication from our staff.

9 August 2022 

We would like to advise you that over the next three days, Whiddon Mudgee will have the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (AACQS) on site to conduct a Accreditation Audit.

If you wish to speak to ACQSC Assessor, please contact our reception to make an appointment.

Cash out your annual leave!

We recognise that it has been very challenging times for all of us due to the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the ever-changing cost of living. The pressure on our essential workers and in some cases their families due to changes in work circumstances continues to be at the forefront of our minds.

Whiddon is always looking at ways to support our employees whilst you look after the needs of our residents and clients. Last year we offered the option to cash out annual leave outside of the usual EA requirements. Under usual circumstances the requirement is for employees to have taken leave in the last 12 months to be eligible to cash out a portion of their leave but we recognise that during these challenging times this may not have been possible.

In considering these challenging times and the commitment from our essential workers we would like to again extend this option to all our employees.

Eligibility:

To be eligible to cash out leave you will need to have at least 4 weeks of accrued leave left as a balance after cashing out a portion of your annual leave. This is a legislative requirement that cannot be amended.

If you are interested in cashing out a portion of your annual leave balance please complete the Cash Out of Leave Form, sign it and provide it to your manager for approval. Completed forms must be signed and returned to payroll@whiddon.com.au by 16 September 2022 to be eligible.

You can obtain a copy of the Cash Out Leave Form from you manager or site administrator.

2023 Scholarship Applications are closing soon!

Don’t forget to email your completed scholarship application and supporting documents to education@whiddon.com.au by Friday, 29th of August. Please speak to your manager if you have any questions or require an application form.