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.

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