An 87-year-old resident of Gill Waminda Aged Care facility was placed in ICU at Goulburn Base Hospital after he tested positive to COVID-19 on Wednesday, December 29.
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It comes as facility management says it is in "outbreak management phase" and operating under state and federal health advice. It's understood there only has to be one case for this to take effect but management will not say if other residents or staff have the virus.
Resident Frank Orchard was taken to hospital after nursing staff at the centre noticed he was sick on Tuesday evening with a "fairly sudden onset," according to Mr Orchard's son, Richard.
"The nursing staff rang the ambulance and took him to the hospital where they saw he had pneumonia," Richard said.
"They did a COVID test to work out what they were dealing with, and they found out he was COVID positive.
"He's in ICU now, and thankfully the new hospital has a negative pressure room so we don't have to worry about any outside contamination.
"He's doing alright, but it's not a great situation for him to be in."
Mr Orchard's condition has since improved.
A spokesman for the Salvation Army operated facility said the centre was currently in outbreak management phase and operating under the direction of state and federal public health officials.
"All stakeholders including residents, representatives, staff, allied health providers and contractors are being kept informed of the management of the outbreak as substantive developments occur," he said.
"The outbreak management phase includes restrictions on access and internal movement but allows contact between residents and their loved ones on compassionate grounds, including where palliative care is a factor."
Despite his father's infection, Richard said he couldn't blame the aged care centre which had done "everything they possibly could."
"(Gill Waminda) have got to deal with the positive case, and they'll be in a lockdown now I'd imagine," he said.
"I'm not blaming anyone for this, Gill Waminda did everything they possibly could have done to prevent COVID-19 from getting in.
"All visitors and staff had to be fully vaccinated, everyone had to wear masks and sanitise their hands, and everyone was scanned for fevers at the door - there's not much more they could have done.
"My sister lives up in Camden, and she had to do a rapid antigen test before she could visit him - they've left absolutely no stone unturned, and COVID-19 still managed to get in.
"I've got nothing but compliments for the way they run that place."
Richard said he hadn't been able to visit his father since his admission to hospital.
"The hospital is very tight with their security at the moment, they don't really want anyone coming in there," he said.
"I can understand that, the best thing we can do at the moment is try to keep COVID out of our hospitals and nursing homes, but it's still not a great situation to be in there sick without access to your family."
Richard said his extended family had already lost one member due to COVID. On Wednesday he feared for his father's prospects.
"We've had one person already die from it," he said. "She was 67 and unvaccinated, and she was sick for about a month before she died.
"The hospital staff have told us they'll do what they can do keep him comfortable, but they won't be sticking anything down his throat at this point."
But by Monday, Richard said his father had "come good." He had been successfully treated with anti-viral and anti-arthritis drugs and placed on oxygen. Medical staff were considering his transfer to a ward in coming days and possible discharge by week's end.
He praised hospital staff as "shining lights and wonderful people."
In a letter stuck to the door of Gill Waminda Aged Care Centre on December 27, Salvation Army Aged Care area manager for residential services, Andrea Mabalo, said the site had been notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a staff member.
"Specialised support provided by key members of staff is available to the centre, and we have notified the Public Health Unit and other relevant government departments," the letter read.
"In alignment with PHU advice, we have activated our Outbreak Management Plan which includes the following.
"No visitors, volunteers or non-essential contractors can access the Centre until otherwise advised. This does not include cleaning and kitchen staff, emergency tradespeople and some allied health providers. The exception will be for visitors coming to see a palliating resident in which case PPE must be worn.
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"Residents will be unable to leave the Centre unless it is for medical reasons or to visit a palliating member of their family."
The letter also states screen processes would remain in place, staff would be restricted to certain areas of the centre, and full PPE would be worn by staff members as directed.
"We understand that this is an uncertain time, and we thank you for your consideration and support as the health and wellbeing of our residents, staff members and Gill Waminda community is our utmost priority," the letter reads.
"We will be monitoring the situation very closely."
By Monday the sign had been removed but the facility remained in lockdown.
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