scone.com.auStrathearn in Lock Down
STRATHEARN Aged Care remains in lock down following approximately 40 residents testing positive to Influenza A.
The facility was closed to all visitors on Friday morning and is likely to remain closed for the week.
Matthew Downie, chief executive officer for Strathearn Aged Care said staff had acted swiftly to contain the virus but stressed the importance of visitors being aware of infection control to protect their residents.
Strathearn is on lock down following an outbreak of Influenza A.
“Residents are being supported within their own rooms while staff have been told to stay at home if they feel unwell and to report to management if they have flu like symptoms,” said Mr Downie.
“In the frail and elderly this kind of infection can be deadly, so we can’t stress strongly enough that people who have even mild flu like symptoms not to visit the facility or to speak to our nursing staff when they arrive to discuss precautions they may need to take during their visit,” he said.
“Even if you don’t feel unwell, people should still wash their hands when they visit and practice basic hygiene.
“One of the most common infections in aged care facilities is gastroenteritis and a visitor may simply feel a little unwell on the stomach, but they could still introduce it into the facility and it is highly infectious so any symptoms should always be discussed with the staff to ensure there is no risk to our residents.
“If you do have family and friends you visit regularly at Strathearn it can be a good idea to have the regular flu-vaccination to reduce your chance of carrying the infection into the facility,” he said.
“The health of our residents is paramount and we need community support to help keep the facility free of infectious disease,” Mr Downie said.
Tests performed on Friday confirmed the presence of Influenza A, but no new cases have been identified during the weekend.
The Strathearn care management team continue to oversee the response and are working closely with the Public Health unit at Hunter Health, the Department of Health and the Australian Quality Agency.
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