5 May 2022
Dear Families and Friends
Whilst 2 more residents in Waratah tested positive to Covid their families are being kept well informed and updated and we know It is a very difficult time for all concerned.
We do have some good news however – all residents outside of Waratah wing have returned a negative Covid test and Hunter New England Population Health have advised us late yesterday afternoon that we can de-escalate our COVID 19 precautions for all suburbs EXCEPT Waratah.
This means that residents can now come out of their suburb at this time. As a precaution we would like residents to only mix in their floors e.g., Hill/Nobbys, Bluegum/Jacaranda, Honeysuckle can come up to the Junction but not mix with residents from other suburbs.
Maroba’s Incident Management Team has met this morning to discuss Mother’s Day, general visiting, and outings.
These are the new arrangements starting from Friday 6th May.
General Visitation (Excluding Waratah as residents are not able to have visitors currently except under special arrangement):
- In room visiting for 2 fully vaccinated visitors (aged 12 years and over) in a 24-hour period. Visitation will only be on weekdays between 10am and 4pm.
- Outside visiting for up to 2 fully vaccinated adults and 2 children under 12 between 10am and 4pm. Bookings are essential for outside visits so please call reception between 9am to 4pm to arrange.
- Palliative Care and Partners in care visits continue as already in place.
- Presentation of a negative Rat test on the same day as the visit is essential as is proof of vaccination if it hasn’t already been provided
- Wearing of a N95/P2 mask always covering your mouth and nose (Note – due to mask requirement consumption of food and drinks is prohibited.)
- Co-operation with all staff directions is essential as is honestly completing the Covid screening questions for the protection of everyone.
Mother’s Day arrangements
On Sunday 8th May, there will be only 1 time available for in room visits only for up to 2 fully vaccinated visitors (aged 12 years and over). Visiting time is 10am and visitation is for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Bookings are essential so please phone reception during office hours to register your intention to visit. Unfortunately, Waratah wing is excluded from this arrangement due to the ongoing outbreak confined to that area.
Volunteers will be on concierge duties for Mother’s Day morning so please do not turn up late or later in the day expecting to visit or you will be disappointed. As there will be a lot of visitors please be patient as our volunteers attend to all entry screening procedures.
Outings and external Appointments
Outings are back on for all residents other than those residing in Waratah wing, so please use the excursion form available on our website giving plenty of notice especially if you would like to take Mum out for Mother’s Day.
To ensure that outing requests can be redirected to the correct suburb to enable staff enough time to make arrangements to have your loved one ready to go out we ask that all requests are received at least 2 business days before the outing.
As a reminder to all, wherever you are, please ensure you keep a safe distance from others, wash or sanitise your hands frequently and wear a mask indoors when in a group situation. Whilst Covid is still circulating in our local community it is highly recommended that outings are kept to family homes rather than public venues as masks are generally no longer seen when out and about…Yet they remain a very good line of defence.
All Staff will continue to wear N95/P2 masks and eye protection on all shifts. Waratah remains in full lockdown and staff are in full PPE.
As Linda has already said to all our staff “Thank you to our exceptionally dedicated team, they are doing an amazing job – they are our heroes!!!
And to all our residents and families who have been so patient and understanding during this challenging time …I say thank you from the entire Maroba family!!!
Stay safe and well.
Yours sincerely,
Viv Allanson
CEO