Gold Coast Public Health Unit will be releasing a newly recorded webinar regarding outbreaks in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF). This is on the background of a rise in gastroenteritis outbreaks in facilities and in preparation for a likely increase in respiratory viruses over winter.
RACF are high-risk environments for outbreaks of respiratory illnesses and viral gastroenteritis. The impact of these outbreaks on residents and loved ones can be modified by the preparedness and response of facilities. Adequate and rapid implementation of infection control activities will reduce the length of the outbreak, disruption to the facility and improve the health of the residents.
This recorded webinar is for all staff working at RACF who need a refresher on:
Modes of transmission of disease (contact, droplet, airborne)
Responsibilities and required actions of RACF staff to prevent and manage outbreaks
Influenza, pneumococcal disease and COVID-19 vaccination
Infection Prevention and Control
Personal Protective Equipment usage
Isolation and cohorting of residents
Transfer of unwell residents
Environmental cleaning
Exclusion time for unwell staff
Communication about the outbreak
The role of GCPHU during an outbreak
Presenter:
Fiona Vosti, Public Health Nurse, Gold Coast Public Health Unit
Dr Anita Ona, Public Health Registrar, Gold Coast Public Health Unit