Date Posted: 03/05/2020
Anglicare is saddened to advise that a resident of Newmarch House who had tested positive for COVID-19 passed away in hospital yesterday 2 May. The family has been contacted as have all relevant authorities.
This is a very sad time for the family and a distressing and challenging time for residents and staff as we deal with the impact of this dreadful virus. As of yesterday afternoon, 37 residents have tested positive and tragically now 14 have died. In addition, 26 staff have tested positive and as a consequence 63 have been in isolation.
Anglicare has, in consultation with the Commonwealth Government, been able to source Infection Control specialists with experience in dealing with highly infectious diseases. Their roles will be to be monitor and supervise all infection control protocols and advise and direct development of additional procedures should they be required.
The carers who we discovered were infected on Friday and announced yesterday, were experienced with infectious disease situations which indicates just how contagious this is and how difficult to contain.
Alternative accommodation options for people who are COVID-19 negative are being discussed with some residents and their families and of course this is possible, provided there is a good understanding of the risks and precautionary measures that that this would involve – for the resident and their families. Families of residents who have questions about this are encouraged to contact OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network).
Our prayers and thoughts are with our grieving Newmarch House families and also with our staff who have worked so closely with the residents and their families.
We are thankful for the ongoing support provided by government departments and their specialist staff.
Media contact:
Chris Pettett
Public Affairs Manager
0429 569 278
[email protected]