Category: Uncategorized

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have confirmed positive Covid and Rhinovirus cases at Whiddon Belmont – Downstairs Moonyah (Level 1) and some residents in Block 3.

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.

Please note:

• Visiting may still occur during this period.
• Visitors are required to follow our safety precautions including:
  • Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) required by all employees and visitors prior to entry.
  • N95 Masks are to be worn while in outbreak declared area [Moonyah Downstairs Level 1]
  • Full PPE is required if you are visiting a loved one who has Covid.
  • Regular handwashing and use of hand sanitisers are strongly encouraged. Hand sanitising stations are available throughout the care home.
  • Maintain appropriate social distancing whenever possible. Visits should be conducted in resident rooms or on balconies.

• All visitors are encouraged to consider postponing any visits if they are unwell or experiencing any flu-like symptoms. The safety of our residents and team members is our number one priority.

We thank everyone for their support and understanding while our staff manage this outbreak.

Whiddon Belmont Team

Dear Team,

This is the week we’ve all been working towards – a major milestone for our site and for the organisation! On Thursday, 20th November, we officially go live with Clinical Manager.
The Project Team will be onsite all week to provide hands-on support as you begin using the new system in daily practice.

This is an exciting step forward, and your hard work, patience, and commitment throughout the preparation and training phases have been exceptional. Thank you for embracing the change, sharing feedback, and supporting one another.

Let’s celebrate this achievement together! It’s a big moment, and it wouldn’t have been possible without each of you. We’re confident that this transformation will help us deliver even better care and continue making a positive difference for our residents.

Dear consumers, families, and carers,

This Thursday, Whiddon Maclean Mareeba will officially begin using the new Clinical Manager system. This is an exciting milestone that will help us deliver care in a more consistent and efficient way.

You may see staff using the system on tablets or computers, but please be assured that your care will continue as usual. The new system is designed to help our team look after you even better.

Thank you for your patience and support as we move to this new way of working.

Note – Please do not reply to this message, as the inbox is not monitored. If you have any questions, please contact your RSM.

Dear Residents and Families,

We’d like to let you know about some important upgrade works happening at our home this week. These improvements will help ensure comfort and safety for everyone.

1. Air Conditioning Upgrade

Our air conditioning system is being fully upgraded.

• Today: Technicians from MEFP are disconnecting units and removing ductwork in the plant room.
• Wednesday 13/11: Work continues on removing old units. Builders will also install temporary roof anchors and start removing cowlings.
• Thursday 14/11: A large crane will be onsite for most of the day to remove old units and install the new system. The crane will be positioned on the McLachlan Street side of the Home, and there will be a restricted access zone for safety (see picture below).
• Friday 14 – Sunday 16/11: Technicians will complete installation and testing.

2. Nurse Call System Replacement

• We’ve engaged AceTek to replace our Nurse Call Alert system
• This upgrade will take about 4 weeks
• Technicians will run cabling through the western end of the home and access each resident room for installation and testing
• We’ll ensure we keep any disruption to a minimum

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete these important upgrades. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us or visit the front desk.

The Mareeba Team

Note:
The restricted zone indicated below will be managed on site for the duration of the crane lift.

Dear Families, Friends and Representatives,

We would like to inform you that Origin Energy has scheduled a planned power outage on Sunday, 9th November 2025, between 10:30am and 2:00pm.

During this time, our generator will be operating to support essential services only. Please be assured that this will not affect the standard of care provided to our residents. Our team members are well-prepared and will continue to deliver safe and compassionate care throughout the outage.

Please note:

• Lifts will be out of service during the outage period.
• Our main phone line may be harder to reach, as it will be diverted to our emergency phone. We appreciate your patience and understanding if there are any delays in communication.

We want to reassure you that the wellbeing and safety of our residents remains our highest priority. If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us before the scheduled outage.

Warm regards,
Christine Marando
Residential Services Manager

Dear consumers, families, and carers,

We are pleased to inform you that we are transitioning to a new clinical documentation system called Clinical Manager.

This change will bring several important benefits, including:

• Simpler and clearer clinical documentation, which will help our staff spend more time focusing on care.
• Improved communication within our team, ensuring care is informed, consistent, and responsive.
• Mobile point-of-care documentation, allowing our staff to record care in real time using a secure mobile app.
• Updates will be sent to the person responsible (via email or SMS), including non-urgent information where appropriate. Please note; these messages are system-generated and cannot be replied to. If you have any enquiries, please contact your RSM directly.

Please be assured that in the case of any emergency, we will always call you directly.

We are committed to delivering the highest standard of care, and this new system is an important step in continuing to improve how we support you and your loved ones.

If you have any questions about this change, please don’t hesitate to contact us

– Whiddon

Dear residents, families and representatives,

This Tuesday, Whiddon Maclean will officially begin using the new Clinical Manager system. This is an exciting milestone that will help us deliver care in a more consistent and efficient way.

You may see staff using the system on mobile phones, tablets or computers, but please be assured that your care will continue as usual. The new system is designed to help our team look after you even better.

Thank you for your patience and support as we move to this new way of working.

If you have any questions, please contact your RSM.

– Whiddon

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

We are pleased to inform you that the Influenza outbreak in Whiddon Kyogle has been officially declared over.

Please note, Surgical Masks are no longer required 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.

Thank you to all who assisted in the management of the outbreak and to our residents and families for their patience and understanding.

Kind Regards,
– Whiddon

Good morning everyone,

I am delighted to advise that Mr Nishan Gautam has been successful in his application for the role of Residential Services Manager – Taylor House.

Nishan joins us with significant operational and clinical experience and leadership, with senior roles with Estia Health, Australian Unity and Hammond Care. Nishan’s most recent success includes commissioning a Specialised Dementia Care Facility in Miranda for Hammond Care.

Nishan will commence with Whiddon on Monday, 8th December and will work closely with Lynda and the team to ensure a smooth transition prior to Lynda commencing her well-deserved retirement in January 2026.

Please join me in welcoming Nishan to his new role who is looking forward to reducing his commute and improving his work / life balance.

Kind regards,
Sally Renshaw – Regional General Manager Residential Care Greater Sydney & North West NSW
E: s.renshaw@whiddon.com.au
Mb: 0436 659 935.

Good morning, Everyone,

I am delighted to advise that Preeti Gautamupadhyay has been successful in her application for the role of Residential Services Manager – Arthur Webb Court.

We anticipate a seamless transition to this role for Preeti who prior to this has been the Care Services Manager for Arthur Webb Court since joining Whiddon in February 2025.

I am confident that Preeti will continue to make a difference with her leadership, skills and daily engagement with our residents, families and team.

Please join me in welcoming Preeti to her new role.

Kind regards,
Sally Renshaw
Regional General Manager Residential Care Greater Sydney & North-West NSW