6th September 2022
Greetings, Family and Friends
I can almost hear the celebration from my office, as 9 more residents in the Lodge came out of Isolation today while 10 more come out tomorrow if they no longer have symptoms. In the not so good news department, I can report that we have 3 new Covid positive residents in the Manor with 2 in The Hill and 1 in Nobby’s. We are continuing a cycle of PCR testing for the Lodge and Manor every 3 days. The designated primary contact will be notified by a Reg Nurse of a positive result as soon as we become aware, so no need to ring.
All unnecessary movement around the Lodge and Manor is discouraged as it is advisable that non -Covid residents remain in their rooms as much as possible to minimise the spread of the virus. Every new case adds 10 more days of isolation and or restrictions for residents in that suburb/wing. Exercise remains very important however it must be accomplished safely and preferably outside in fresh air wherever possible or in a corridor accompanied by staff to avoid close contacts. Opening bedroom windows will be beneficial.
The very strong message for us as a community generally is the reminder that Covid is an airborne disease and therefore we must do everything possible to protect ourselves and our residents from airborne transmission.
I am pleased that all residents with Covid remain stable, and all are taking Antiviral treatment.
Visiting arrangements are different for the Lodge and Manor so please familiarise yourself with these new requirements. Please assess your own risk when deciding to visit Maroba as Covid is putting everyone at risk and we can never assume we are Covid free. Please review Update #137 for all visiting arrangements.
All visiting will be by appointment to ensure we have a record of who visits each resident and that it is kept to 1 person except for Waratah and Honeysuckle where 2 can attend until we are satisfied that there is very limited risk of further escalation. Please decide within your family who those visitors will be. Visiting remains weekdays only and is restricted as outlined.
The Family Liaison Team are contacting families directly to give a daily update for Covid positive residents, however those that are recovered but not yet out of isolation are not requiring a call unless their condition deteriorates. However, if there is a deterioration in the residents condition the Registered Nurse will contact family directly as a change occurs.
Please avoid phoning the Registered Nurse for general enquiries as they are very focused on delivering direct care and support. If you have specific questions the Family Liaison team will be very pleased to take them on notice and get a team member to get back to you. We do appreciate your patience and understanding.
At present we have 8 positive staff members and others unwell with general cold and flu symptoms. We have remained in contact with the authorities to access the Surge workforce, regular staffing Agencies, which have made a difference at this time as we have rostered well over establishment each day.
On Saturday 10/09/22 you will see Australian Defence Force personnel on a 5-day assignment here at Maroba. The Commonwealth Government has offered additional support, which we welcome.
Family members who are nominated Partners in Care for their loved one or those supporting a palliating resident continue their caring and support roles throughout the facility and we welcome their efforts. The PPE arrangements do apply to all categories of visitors as laid out for each area and for Covid positive residents.
If you have concerns with our approach, please call us to discuss or if you prefer contact:
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600
- The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822
- Senior Rights Service 1800 424 079
We appreciate your patience and co-operation in keeping the Maroba Community as safe as possible during this outbreak. If you require additional information, please call reception 49350300 during office hours or email enquiries@maroba.com.au.
Unfortunately, we are learning that there is another escalation of cases state wide over the weekend so vigilance is vital as we endeavour to live with Covid circulating amongst us. Please review your own vaccination status and more importantly consider signing the necessary Covid vaccination consent form for your loved one as we still have a long way to go. I am very confident that the combination of Vaccinations and Anti-viral treatments have been a game changer for Maroba residents in reducing the severity of the disease. However, with 80% of residents with 4 vaccines we still have a gap to close. Please make it a priority to act on this opportunity.
We will keep you posted when more news comes to hand!
Yours sincerely,
Viv Allanson – CEO