First confirmed COVID-19 case in Bupa Aged Care Australia – employee tests positive
Today, Suzanne Dvorak, Managing Director Bupa Aged Care Australia, sent an email to Bupa employees confirming an employee from one of our Bupa care homes has tested positive for COVID-19. Below is her email.
Hello everyone,
It is with sadness that I write to inform you that one of our Bupa Aged Care Australia colleagues in our Bupa Sutherland (NSW) care home has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). Our thoughts are with our colleague at this difficult time and we are providing full support to them, while also respecting their privacy.
The last time they were in the care home was on Tuesday 31 March. Our colleague showed no symptoms at the time and is now in self-isolation. As a precaution, several other employees who were working with this individual are also in self-isolation on the advice of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District. The care home has also been closed to visitors since Friday 27 March, as has every other Bupa aged care home.
Fortunately, there are currently no other team members or residents in Bupa Sutherland that have displayed symptoms, but we will continue to monitor this situation very closely.
As you would expect, we have already been in contact with our Bupa Sutherland team, residents and their families to reassure them of our focus on their health and safety.
As you know, it is difficult to keep residents isolated from each other in aged care homes. However, we are doing everything we can to protect our residents and our team by maintaining strong infection control measures. Team members are wearing full personal protective equipment where appropriate.
I know this news brings the coronavirus pandemic much closer to home. I want to assure you that we are doing all we can to keep the virus away from our care homes.
If you are concerned, please remember that our Employee Assistance Program is available to you and your family.
My thanks go to our hard-working team, residents and their families at Bupa Sutherland for their ongoing support and understanding during this time. Please keep them in your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Dvorak
Managing Director
Bupa Villages and Aged Care, Australia
