Strathearn Flu Update

RESIDENTS at Strathearn Aged Care facility on Stafford Street are recovering well from the influenza A virus outbreak and the facility is expected to reopen to visitors early next week.

The facility was closed to visitors last Friday following 40 residents testing positive to the virus.

Matthew Downie, chief executive officer of Strathearn Aged Care said staff managed to contain the spread of the virus well.

“It is always difficult in close environments to manage any contagion especially the influenza virus or gastroenterological infections, however the staff have managed the flu outbreak well,” said Mr Downie.

“They train for outbreaks regularly and practice good infection control procedures every day,” he said.

“It is critical to protect our frail residents from infections in the first place and hopefully educate visitors about being aware of the dangers they present if they visit and are unwell, but once an infection does enter a facility as it has now our staff have really stepped up to protect other residents from the spread of the virus and provide extra care to residents who are unwell,” he said.

“We hope to reopen by mid-week next week and I am sure there are many residents who are keen to see friends and family visit again, we just again ask that if they have absolutely any signs of feeling unwell that they talk to our staff before visiting our residents,” Matthew Downie said.

Since the facility closed to visitors last Friday only an additional four residents have contracted the virus.

In aged care facilities best practice is to close facilities to visitors when three or more residents are unwell with an infectious illness.

A facility may reopen when there are only two residents who are unwell, but is determined by the director of care based on the stage of the illness cycle, the severity and often they may choose to wait until all residents are well.

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