[Carrie Spinks]

[Cross-posting from Infexion Connexion – Moderator]

Hello all,

I am also interested in this for ALL STAFF as I am working on a Quality improvement project for cleaning in our Hospital which has Aged Care and a Medical Clinic attached.

Kind regards,

Judith Penman

Infection Control Coordinator
Phone: 0260763296

Email: Judith.Penman@corryonghealth.org.au

20 Kiell Street

Corryong
VIC

“Together, Strengthening the Health of Our Community”

[Carrie Spinks]

Dear Yvonne,

Please see a couple of papers that address RAT use and efficiency in residential aged care – note they are dated 2021.

The National COVID-19 Health and Research Advisory Committee provided advice on RAT in various settings.
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/03/foi-3589-release-documents-austender-contracts-cn3818911-and-cn3806974-evaluation-of-the-rapid-antigen-testing-pilot-in-residential-aged-care-facilities-final-report.pdf

The Australian Government Department of Health undertook a pilot study – Evaluation of the rapid antigen testing pilot in residential aged care facilities: final report
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/03/foi-3589-release-documents-austender-contracts-cn3818911-and-cn3806974-evaluation-of-the-rapid-antigen-testing-pilot-in-residential-aged-care-facilities-final-report.pdf

Refer to national and state guidelines for RAT requirements, this may help to make your decision on need. It is left to the individual facility to decide but should be risk based and in accordance with COVID 19 transmission in the area – routine testing is not required.

From local perspectives:

ACT Government:
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) for residential aged care facility workers
https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/services-and-support/aged-care/rapid-antigen-tests-rats-for-residential-aged-care-facility-workers
Advice for visitors to aged care facilities
https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/services-and-support/aged-care/advice-for-visitors-to-aged-care-facilities

NSW Government: Advice to residential aged care facilities (RACFs)
See Testing staff for COVID-19 and Visitors sections.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/racf-latest-advice.aspx

Kind regards Carrie
ACIPC
ACIPC IPC Consultant
Hobart

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Monika,

In 2022 Melbourne University undertook a study (as per Dept recommendations) into air purifiers. They now provide some great insight into these devices.

Link: https://sgeas.unimelb.edu.au/engage/air-cleaner-guide

Kind regards Carrie

ACIPC
ACIPC IPC Consultant
Hobart

• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by David Tanedo.

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