Kirkbrae Update – COVID-19

Kirkbrae became aware of an aged care staff member receiving positive test results on Sunday 19 July. Within hours the aged care facility was placed in lockdown and a local outbreak management team was established. The Department of Health was notified on that day and since that time all residents have been in isolation in their rooms and all staff are using full PPE to minimise viral transmission. Strict infection control procedures are being practiced by all staff.

Residents will notice that staff are wearing a different uniform of disposable gown, mask and gloves and so may not recognise the staff. Meals will be served to residents in their rooms and there will be minimal interaction between residents to prevent resident-to-resident transmission of the virus. Some meals will be a little different as these will be made for delivery by tray to rooms rather than served in common dining rooms. Dietary and cultural preferences and needs will continue to be met. 

Currently four residents have tested positive to COVID19 as have ten staff. One COVID positive resident is in hospital. 

The Department of Health has initiated support for Kirkbrae with a range of services and resources. Teams were at Kirkbrae on Thursday morning to test all residents and staff. Contact tracing for residents and staff is being completed. Additional PPE and staffing are being arranged by Kirkbrae and the department. 

Kirkbrae is advising residents and their primary family contact person of the situation at Kirkbrae. Families who have a loved one diagnosed with COVID19 are receiving daily updates. 

Kirkbrae also has a retirement village at the same site as the nursing home. No retirement village residents have tested positive for COVID19 and none are permitted to have contact with nursing home residents. 

A deep clean of vacant rooms, corridors and common areas has been completed. Special infection control procedures are in place for laundry, cleaning and catering. Wherever possible, staff are only working in one of the Houses. 

Information for residents, their family members and their advocates is available from the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and via their website at www.OPAN.com.au with helpful COVID videos at vimeo.com/showcase/7344129 

If you have any questions, please call or email Kirkbrae at [email protected] 

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