Kirkbrae Presbyterian Homes in partnership with Eastern Health continue to work diligently to manage the COVID-19 outbreak at the Residential Aged Care Facility on site. The support and commitment of all staff working at the facility has led to the outbreak being contained with no new infections to residents or staff recorded over the past two weeks.
It will still be some time until activities at the facility return to normal and the patience and support of all residents and their families is sincerely appreciated.
There are 20 residents who remain in the care of the staff at St John of God Hospital in Berwick, one resident on social leave and one resident in an Eastern Health facility. We express our sincere gratitude to both St John of God Berwick and Eastern Health staff for continuing to care for our residents
We continue to work closely with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the Commonwealth Department of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria on the plans for the safe return of these residents to their home at Kirkbrae. The date for their return has yet to be agreed.
At Kirkbrae we continue to care for 35 residents in the Aged Care Facility. Residents are receiving good care, including pastoral care. Physiotherapy and Lifestyle services have also recommenced.
We continue to make every effort to keep the families of our residents at Kirkbrae updated regularly on the health and well-being of their loved ones. The nominated family representative is contacted every day with an update regarding their loved one unless the representative has requested less frequent contact. We are also able to arrange for residents to talk to their family over Skype. Please contact the facility if you wish to arrange this.
Our Kirkbrae staff continue to return to work and at present just over half of the staff who were required to isolate after the outbreak have returned to duty. We are hopeful that the remaining staff will return over the next 3-4 weeks.
Kirkbrae and Eastern Health staff remain fully committed to the delivery of high quality and safe care to all residents at the facility and we look forward to being able to welcome back the remaining residents as soon as possible.
Kind Regards,
John Fogarty
Acting CEO Convener
Grant Lawry
Social Services Committee
