A resident of Dubbo disability service Westhaven has contracted coronavirus and is in a critical condition, the organisation reports.
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It is with great concern that Westhaven Ltd can confirm that one of its participants is in a critical condition at Dubbo Hospital intensive care unit after being diagnosed with COVID-19, the organisation said in a statement on its website.
The 61-year-old woman was in permanent care at a Westhaven facility in Dubbo, and lives with a range of congenital health challenges, it said.
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On advice from NSW Health a number of staff have been sent immediately home for self-isolation and to await further contact from NSW Health.
All those concerned have been contacted.
Westhaven CEO Andrew Everett said the organisation was working around the clock with health authorities to keep its clients and staff safe in this challenging time.
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"Ever since the emergence of the COVID-19 crisis in Australia we have implemented a strict regime, including the closure of all our day care programs and non-essential services," he said.
"Many of our clients have complex health challenges and require a high level of day-to-day support which we will continue to provide utilising the latest safety advice and mitigation.
"I would like to reassure all our clients, their families and the community that we are doing everything possible to keep them safe."
This includes:
- Closure of non-essential services in line with Government guidance
- Appropriate protective wear for staff.
- Immediate quarantine for any exposed individuals, or those showing symptoms
"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for their heroic efforts supporting some of the most vulnerable in the community during this crisis," Mr Everett said.
"All our thoughts are with our client, her friends and family."